Canadian Government and Economics

SS6CG2 – Explain citizen participation in the Canadian government a. Explain the role of citizens in choosing the leader of Canada (parliamentary democracy).

Government Canada is an example of a parliamentary democracy. Canadians elect members of parliament (MPs) to represent them both at the local and national levels. The MP’s vote the Prime Minster (PM) into power.

Government The prime minister is considered the Head of Government. The Queen is Head of State. This political arrangement traces back to Canada’s former status as a British colony. Upper House: Senate Lower House: House of Commons Canadians aged 18 and older are permitted to vote.

SS6E5 – Give examples of how voluntary trade benefits buyers and sellers in Canada. d. Explain the functions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

What is NAFTA? The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), signed in 1994 by the government of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, established one of the world’s largest free-trade zone.

NAFTA’s Goal The goal of this was to: increase trade and economic cooperation across North America and raise the standard of living in all three countries.

The ‘Yays!’s of NAFTA The elimination of import tariffs A decrease in the overall price of consumer goods An increase in foreign investment among and within the three nations.

The ‘Huzzah’s of NAFTA for Canada U.S. investment in Canadian automotive production ineral and mining products to U.S. markets. Increases in exports like beef, agriculture, wood, paper products, and oil exports from Canada to the U.S. 2000 2005 2010 2015

SS6E4 – Analyze different economic systems c. Describe the economic system of Canada.

Economic Continuum Just like Australia, Canada is more leaning towards the Market side of the Continuum. It is super easy for anyone to start their own job/career. The government controls all but 11% of the total land area and the healthcare industry via a nationalized single-payer program

Trade Barriers Though Canada enjoys free trade with the US and Mexico under the terms of NAFTA, some tarrifs and quotas still exists on items such as dairy and poultry.