The BNA Act 1867–1975

Quick Review Charlottetown: They surprise the Maritimes, get them drunk, and come up with a thesis statement Quebec: They come together and make a rough draft. The colonies go home and vote on it individually. NLFD and PEI say no London: Make the good copy with the Br. Govt. to send to the Queen

"We do ordain, declare, and command that on and after the First day of July, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-seven, the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, shall form and be One Dominion, under the name of Canada.” ————— Queen Victoria

Why didn’t Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland join? British North America Act Came into effect on July 1, 1867 Created the Canadian Confederation - solidified Canada West (Ontario), Canada East (Quebec), Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Turned Canada into a dominion of Britain - a nation that can govern itself domestically but is still represented internationally by another nation Outlined the powers and responsibilities of the Canadian government as well as the structure of the government Why didn’t Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland join?

PEI island, NFLD far away - railway useless Far from the USA - no threat Fishing - good trading relationship with Britain

Structure of the govt. Federalism - a government with more than one level Federal - country Provincial - province Municipal - city

Federal government Legislative Branch Senate + The House of Commons Executive Branch GG + Prime Minister (and his/her cabinet) Judicial Branch Supreme Court

British Government Judicial Branch Governor General The Senate Cabinet The House of Commons Voters

How does this benefits the provinces with smaller populations? Legislative Branch House of Commons Who: Members of Parliament - elected by voters - rep. by population Job: represent their voters, propose, vote on and amend laws How does this benefits the provinces with smaller populations? Senate Who: Senators - appointed by GG on the advice of PM - rep. by region Job: Check laws to ensure they are good for their region

Executive Branch Who: Prime Minister + Cabinet + Governor General + (Crown) Prime Minister: - Leader of the party with the most seat in HOC - Leader of the country Cabinet: - elected members from HOC - called “ministers” e.g. Minister of National Defence Job: Make decisions and run the govt. Decide which bill will be debated in the HOC. Give GG advice on who to choose for the Senate Governor General - Appointed by the British Government Job: Represented the Crown in Canada, figure head

Judicial Branch Why is it separate? Who: The court system / judges - appointed or hired - different levels: provincial, Federal, Supreme Job: Enforce the constitution and laws and can force the government to amend or repeal laws that break rules Why is it separate?

Voters Who: Male adults no longer need to have property Women were not allowed to vote until 1917

Provincial Government Lieutenant Governor Judicial Branch Cabinet Leader: Premier Legislative Assembly Voters

Division of Power (Federalism) Provincial Federal Shared Defence (army) Postal system Banking & currency First Nations prisons Immigration Agriculture Health care Natural resources environmental issues Education Charities Hospitals Highways National Issues Local Issues

Municipal Government Mayor Town Council