Elementary PowerPoint 3: Governments in Canada

What do you know about government in Canada What do you know about government in Canada? What are the different roles and responsibilities?

Levels of Government Canada is a very large country with national, regional and local needs and interests Our government structure is divided into different levels to handle certain responsibilities (federal, provincial, local) Each level has its own group of political representatives that are chosen by the people during elections

Federal The elected representative at the federal level is called a Member of Parliament (MP) There are 338 elected MPs MPs debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa The leader of the government is called the prime minister The Queen is represented by the governor general

Provincial The elected representatives are called Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in British Columbia The legislature currently has 85 MLAs and there will be 87 after the May election MLAs debate and pass laws at the Legislative Assembly in Victoria The leader of the government is called the premier The Queen is represented by the lieutenant governor

Do you know how the prime minister of Canada is chosen Do you know how the prime minister of Canada is chosen? Do you know how the premier of BC is chosen?

Most of political representatives at the provincial and federal level belong to a political party. This is a group of people who share similar beliefs, values and goals. The political party that elects the most members ‘forms government’ and their party leader becomes the head of the government. This means we do not vote for our premier or prime minister directly.

Local Governments The local government system in B.C. includes municipal governments, regional districts and improvement districts The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor The head of the council is called a mayor and they elected by citizens Municipal councils debate and pass laws at the city or town hall The size and structure of the council differs depending on the population it represents

Division of Responsibilities Federal: International affairs, immigration and citizenship, national defence, currency, public safety, fisheries and oceans Provincial: Education, health care delivery, mineral resources, Infrastructure and transportation Municipal: Roads and bridges, water and sewer service, recreation and community facilities, libraries, police services

Indigenous Governments Municipal/Local Indigenous Governments The elected representative at the municipal level is usually called a councillor. Municipal councils debate and pass laws at the local or city town hall. The head of the council is called a mayor or reeve. The size and structure of the council differs, depending on the population. Indigenous communities or First Nations reserves have their own governments which replace or share certain responsibilities with the provincial/territorial or federal government The term self-government refers to a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community with control over its own affairs Self‑governing First Nations have the ability to sign treaties (formal agreements) and comprehensive land claims agreements (modern treaties)

Discussion Can you think about all the ways that government impacts you on a daily basis? Why is it important to know who your local representative is?