Branches of Government : The Executive Branch

Executive Branch (middle) Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch

Recall: The Three Branches of Government 1.) Legislative Branch = makes laws 2.) Executive Branch = implements laws 3.) Judicial = enforcement of laws

Components of Executive Branch Governor General Prime Minister Cabinet The Bureaucracy

1. Who’s Who: The Governor General We are all aware of the role of the Governor General Know that he/she are a part of the executive branch Mostly symbolic duties such as receiving new ambassadors and awarding the Order of Canada to people who have made outstanding contributions to public life

2. Who’s Who: The Prime Minister Central Figure & head of Canadian government Powers are enormous but not outlined in any document Include: a.) party leadership b.) appointment c.) governmental organization d.) dissolution

PM Role: 1.) Party Leadership Has the power to approve someone from his own party running in an election to become an MP When a party wins an election, it can be said that the voters have given that party a mandate (command or instruction on how to proceed) PM can therefore count on support of his MP’s (solidarity) Utilize caucus meetings to iron out issues

PM Role: b.) Power of Appointment Appoints Governor general Appoints cabinet members through Governor General Each province is represented in cabinet Decides the size of the cabinet All races, genders, minority groups etc. represented

PM Role: c.) Government Organization PM appoints cabinet ministers and has power to create or abolish portfolio’s Will often pick his most trusted cabinet members to form an inner cabinet for every day decision making Cabinets can be shuffled by PM to freshen things up

PM Role: d.) Power of Dissolution PM is able set the time of election to his liking, government can be dissolved before set election date if a minority government is defeated in a vote of non-confidence The government serves a maximum five year term

Prime Minister’s Office Carry out everyday functions of government (answer phones, mail, schedules etc.) Made up of appointed staff (overseen by PM’s secretary) Ensure PM has positive public image and good relations with the media Advise PM on how policies will affect party popularity Head of PMO known as Principal Secretary Good friend to PM & recommends patronage appointments

Privy Council Office Is a public service not affiliated with any party Eyes and ears of cabinet Top figure = Clerk of Privy Council Very influential Coordinating meetings and relaying decisions Provide impartial research and info

3. Who’s Who: The Cabinet Members of cabinet called ministers who are responsible for portfolio’s (approx. 30 members) Ex. Transportation, Finance, Justice, etc. Selected by the PM and are his closest advisors PM tries to represent each province in minister choices Cabinets form committees to discuss planning and priorities (eg. Raising taxes, going to war) Initiate and guide laws through H of C Cabinet members must fully support decisions (cabinet solidarity) in public or must resign their position Ministers agree to secrecy regarding meetings

Cabinet Continued… Backbenchers: MP’s who are not cabinet members The leader of the opposition organizes the Shadow Cabinet to critique the PM’s work A key agency linked with the Cabinet is the treasury board (cabinet committee) Purpose is to monitor budgets of the government

3. What’s What: The Ministries or Bureaucracy One in every five Canadians works for the government Divided into several branches Four major structures a.) government departments, b.) crown corporations, c.) regulator agencies, d.) advisory bodies. Song!

Bureaucracy continued… - Government departments - 23 departments each led by Cabinet minister - Ex. Transportation, National Defense, Justice Crown Corporation - a business owned by the government - Ex. Canadian National Railway

Bureaucracy continued… Regulatory Agencies: - set rules and regulations by which businesses in Canada must operate - Ex. Canadian Transport Commission Advisory Bodies: - Royal Commissions or task forces set up to examine a specific issue - Ex. Royal Commission on Canadian Unity