SLIDE DECK 4: Levels of Government

How does government affect me? How do the different levels of government in Canada impact me personally?

What kind of government do we have in Canada? Canada is a federal state, parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Federal state – This means we have a central government (federal) and local governments (provincial/territorial). Parliamentary democracy – We elect members to represent us in our federal parliament and provincial legislatures, and the political party with the most elected representatives forms government. Constitutional monarchy - Queen Elizabeth II, as Queen of Canada, is our head of state. The authority of the monarch is limited by our constitution.

Levels of government Canada has several levels of government and each has its own group of elected representatives. Federal Provincial/territorial Local/Municipal First Nations, Métis, and Inuit

Federal vs. Provincial Title given to the elected member Member of Parliament (MP) Member of the Legislative Assembly Member of Provincial Parliament (ON) Member of the National Assembly (QC) Member of the House of Assembly (NL) Number of elected members 338 Varies (19 to 124) Title of the head of government Prime Minister Premier Name of the legislative body House of Commons Legislative Assembly National Assembly (QC) House of Assembly (NL) The monarch’s representative Governor General Lieutenant Governor, Commissioner

Do you know how the premiers and prime minister of Canada are chosen?

Choosing government leaders At the provincial and federal level, most elected representatives are part of a political party (except in Northwest Territories and Nunavut). The political party with the most number of elected representatives usually forms government and their leader becomes the leader of the government.

Municipal governments The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor (or alderman) Councils can be different in size and structure The head of the council (leader) is usually called a mayor or reeve. They are elected by all citizens living in the municipality Municipal councils meet at the city or town hall

First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments Some First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have their own systems of governance These councils or governments share certain responsibilities with the provincial/territorial or federal government.

What are the areas of responsibility of each level of government?

Some government responsibilities Federal Immigration and citizenship Defence Currency Fisheries and oceans Provincial Education Health care Social welfare Transportation and highways Municipal Water and sewer service Recreation Libraries Police and fire services

Shared responsibilities There are also policy areas where the levels of government share responsibility, such as the environment. Federal Government – Enforces the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Provincial Government – Regulates land use, mining, manufacturing and harmful emissions. Municipal Governments – Responsible for zoning, garbage disposal, and sewage and water treatment.

Final thoughts What have you learned about government in Canada? Is government important? Why or why not? What issue in your community concerns you the most? Who can you contact?