Slide Deck: Levels of Government

Why is it important to know how government in Canada is structured Why is it important to know how government in Canada is structured? How does government in Canada impact me personally?

What is a representative democracy? A representative democracy is a form of government in which politicians are selected by citizens through a vote to make decisions and pass laws. Each elected official represents a different geographic area and the interests and concerns of the people who live in it (called constituents).

Levels of Government in Canada Federal government Provincial/territorial governments Municipal governments First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments Each level of government has its group of elected representatives.

Federal The elected representative is called a Member of Parliament (MP) There are currently 338 elected MPs MPs debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa The leader is called the prime minister

Ontario Provincial The elected representative is called a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) There are currently 124 elected MPPs MPPs debate and pass laws in the Legislative Assembly in Toronto The leader is called the premier

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 Ontario is chosen?

At the federal and provincial levels, most elected representatives are associated with a political party (group of people with similar goals). The political party with the most number of elected representatives usually forms government and their leader becomes the leader of the government.

Re-cap: Federal vs. Provincial Title given to the elected member Member of Parliament (MP) Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Number of elected members 338 124 Title of the head of government prime minister premier Name of the legislative body House of Commons Legislative Assembly The monarch’s representative governor general lieutenant governor

Municipal Governments The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor or alderman The size and composition of the council differs depending on the population it represents The head of the council is called a mayor or reeve and they are elected by all citizens living in the municipality Municipal councils debate and pass by-laws at the city/town hall

How are issues and responsibilities divided among the different levels?

The level of government closest to the issue takes responsibility for it. For example, the federal government handles foreign affairs. There are also issues where the levels of government share responsibility, such as the environment, taxation and natural resources.

Examples of Government Responsibilities Federal: Global affairs, immigration and citizenship, national defence, currency, public safety, fisheries and oceans Provincial: Education, health care delivery, social welfare, transportation and highways Municipal: Roads and bridges, water and sewer service, recreation and community facilities, libraries, police and fire protection

First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments Municipal/Local First Nations, Métis and Inuit 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. Some Indigenous communities and First Nations reserves have their own governments which share certain responsibilities with the provincial/territorial or federal government. Consensus government representatives do not belong to political parties. The term self-government refers to a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community/nation with control over its own affairs. 

Can I contact my elected representatives? YES! Elected representatives expect to hear from their constituents when they have issues or concerns to discuss. In most cases your representative can be contacted by mail, email, phone, or by appointment at their local constituency office.

Summary of Representatives Federal = Member of Parliament Provincial = Member of Provincial Parliament Municipal = Local Councillor/Alderman

Final Thoughts Is government important? Why or why not? Why is it important to know which level of government is responsible for what? What issue in your community concerns you the most? Which level of government would you contact about your concerns?