People in Government

The Queen Queen Elizabeth II of England Head of State Role is mainly ceremonial therefore she does not have real power. She is responsible for summoning parliament or provincial legislature to meet, appointing senators and calling elections.

The Governor General David Johnson The Queen’s representative in Canada at the federal level. Performs the Queen’s responsibilities in Canada on behalf of the Queen. He is responsible for summoning parliament to meet, appointing Senators, and calling elections. The role is mainly ceremonial.

The Prime Minister Stephen Harper Leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons. Most powerful person in Parliament. Recommends to the Governor General the appointment of Senators, the appointment of judges to the Supreme court and determines when elections will be held.

House of Commons Contains 308 (elected) Members of Parliament. Responsibilities include making laws, asking the other members, including the Prime Minister, questions, and debating issues of public policy.

Members of Parliament Elected to represent the voters from each riding or electoral district. They follow the instructions of the leader of their political party.

The Cabinet Members of the Parliament selected by the Prime Minister to be responsible for an area of public policy Minister of Defence Minister of Finance

Backbencher A member of Parliament who is not in Cabinet. They get their names from where they sit in the House of Commons (in the back benches).

Opposition All other parties in the House of Commons other than the largest one. The official opposition is the second largest party in the House of Commons.

Shadow Cabinet Michael Ignatieff of the shadow cabinet. The leader of the opposition is in charge of the shadow cabinet. The shadow cabinet criticizes the actions of the cabinet.

Senate Contains 105 Senators appointed by the Prime Minister. Responsible for reviewing laws passed by the House of Commons and representing the regions of Canada.