Elementary PowerPoint 2: The Levels of Government

Can you name the three levels of government in Canada?

Three Levels of Government Canada is a large country of many people with different needs and interests. There are three levels of government: Federal – manages the country Provincial – one government for each province and territory Municipal – one for every community Each government has its own level of representatives and and responsibilities to manage.

Federal The locally elected representative at the federal level is called a Member of Parliament (MP). There are 338 elected MPs, one for each riding or district. MPs debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa. The leader of the government is called the prime minister.

Provincial The locally elected representatives are called Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Nova Scotia. The legislature has 51 elected 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 council member or councillor. The number of councillors differs for each community. The head of the council is called a mayor or warden. Municipal councils debate and pass laws at the local city or town hall.

Political Trivia 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 Canada is a constitutional monarchy, and the Queen is Canada’s head of state. At the federal level, the Queen is represented by the governor general (GG). At the provincial level, the Queen is represented by the lieutenant governor (LG). The GG and LG serve similar roles, including officially starting and ending the parliament or legislature, calling the election and reading the throne speech. There are no appointed sovereign officials at the municipal level

Who is responsible for what? Name the level of government you think is responsible for the following: International trade Parks and playgrounds Education 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 How does government affect your life? Which level of government impacts your life the most? Why? Why is it important to know who your local elected representative is?

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 specific geographic area An elected council The ability to tax

Municipality Types There are three main types of municipality: Regional municipalities (multiple communities) Rural municipalities (multiple communities, called county or district municipalities) Towns (operate on their own)

Structure of the Municipal Council The municipal council includes a head or chair of the council and the elected councillors. The chair is the highest-ranking official on the council. They are called 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. Councillors can be elected at-large or by district. Districts are smaller areas within a municipality.

Your Municipality What is the name of your municipality? What type of municipality is it? Do you have a mayor or warden? How are councillors elected?

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

Final Thoughts Do you like living in your municipality? Why? What is unique or special about your municipality? Is there anything in your community that you would change or improve?