Secondary PowerPoint 2: The Levels of Government

How many levels of government do we have in Canada? Can you name them?

Three Levels of Government Canada is a large country with different needs and interests. To serve citizens most effectively, there are three levels of government: Federal Provincial/Territorial Municipal Each level has its own structure of elected representatives and appointed officials, and a unique set of responsibilities.

Federal The elected representative at the national level is called a Member of Parliament (MP). There are 338 elected MPs. They make up the legislative body, which creates or enacts laws for the country. MPs debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa. The leader of the government is called the prime minister.

Provincial The elected representatives are called Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Nova Scotia. The provincial legislative body is made up of 51 MLAs. MLAs debate and pass laws at the House of Assembly (Province House) in Halifax. The leader of the government is called the premier.

Municipal The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor. The head/chair of the council is called a mayor or warden. Municipal councils debate and pass laws for the community at the local city or town hall. The size and structure of the council differs depending on the population it represents.

Political Quiz Leaders: Who is the current prime minister? Who is the current premier? Who is the current mayor or warden? Local representatives: Who is our MP? Who is our MLA?

Appointed Representatives As a constitutional monarchy, Canada’s head of state is a hereditary sovereign (queen or king) who reigns in accordance with the Constitution. At the federal level, the sovereign is represented by the governor general (GG), who is appointed by the sovereign on the advice of the prime minister. At the provincial level, the sovereign is represented by the lieutenant governor (LG), who is appointed by the GG on the advice of the prime minister. Sovereign representatives have similar roles, such as opening and closing parliament, calling an election, and reading the throne speech. No similar role exists at the municipal level.

Section 91-95, Constitution When they chose a federal form of government, the Canadian Fathers of Confederation assigned particular responsibilities to the federal and provincial governments (outlined in Sections 91-95 of the Constitution Act). This division of powers is based on the idea of subsidiarity, meaning that the government level closest to the issue governs it.

Who is responsible for what? Name the level of government you think is responsible for the following: International trade Parks and playgrounds Education Citizenship and Immigration Police and protection services

Division of Responsibilities Federal: Global affairs, immigration and citizenship, national defence, currency, public safety, fisheries and oceans, trade Provincial: Education, health-care delivery, natural resources, transportation and highways Municipal: Water and sewage treatment, public transit, roads and bridges, local parks, recreational facilities

Discussion Questions Is government important? Why or why not? How does government affect your life? Why is it important to know who your elected representatives are?

Municipalities in Nova Scotia Nova Scotia is currently separated into 51 different local areas called municipalities. Key features of municipalities: Powers assigned by the province A defined geographic area An elected council The ability to tax

Municipality Types There are three main types: a regional municipality, a rural municipality or a town. Rural municipalities can be further categorized as county or district municipalities. Towns operate on their own. Regional municipalities and rural municipalities include one or more communities. This allows the delivery of various local responsibilities to be shared for efficiency.

Structure of the Municipal Council The council members include a head or chair of the council and the elected councillors. The chair of the council is either a mayor or a warden. Mayors are elected at-large (by all of the citizens living in a municipality). Wardens elected from and by the councillors after the municipal elections. Most rural municipalities have a warden, not a mayor. Councillors can be elected at-large or by district. Districts are smaller areas within a municipality. There can be one or more councillors elected to each district.

Your Municipality What is the name of your municipality? What type of municipality is it? Do you have a mayor or warden? Are councillors elected at-large or by district?

The Role of Council Members To work together to govern the municipality and take responsibility for its safety and future growth. To listen to concerns and suggestions from community members, attend council meetings, and make by-laws and decisions for the municipality. To support and/or participate in various activities and events in their communities.

Final Thoughts Do you like living in your municipality? Why? Is there anything in your community that you would change or would like to improve? Do you think your municipality is run efficiently? Could you make any recommendations?