1. Elementary PowerPoint 2: The Levels of Government

2. Can you name the three levels of government in Canada?

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Provincial
The elected representatives are called Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Saskatchewan.
The provincial legislative body is made up of 61 MLAs.
MLAs debate and pass laws at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina.
The leader of the government is called the premier.

6. 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 reeve.
Municipal councils debate and pass laws at the local city or town hall.

7. Political Trivia Leaders: Who is the current prime minister?
Who is the current premier?
Who is the current mayor or reeve?
Local representatives:
Who is our MP?
Who is our MLA?

8. 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

9. Who is responsible for what?
Name the level of government you think is responsible for the following:
International trade
Local parks
Education
Immigration
Police and protection services

10. Division of Responsibilities
Federal: Global affairs, immigration and citizenship, national defence, currency, public safety, fisheries and oceans, trade
Provincial: Education, health-care delivery, environment, highways and infrastructure
Municipal: Water and sewage treatment, public transit, roads and bridges, local parks, recreational facilities

11. 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?

12. Municipalities in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is currently separated into 779 different local areas called municipalities.
Key features of municipalities:
Powers assigned by the province
A defined geographic area
An elected council
The ability to tax

13. Municipality Types There are three types of municipality:
Urban municipalities (includes cities, towns, villages and resort villages)
Rural municipalities (made up of hamlets organized into divisions)
Northern municipalities (includes northern towns, northern villages and northern hamlets)

14. 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 reeve.
Mayors and reeves are elected at large (by all of the citizens living in a municipality). Reeves are only elected in rural municipalities.
Councillors can be elected at large or by ward/division (smaller areas within a municipality). These divisions are called wards in urban municipalities and divisions in rural municipalities.

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

16. 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.

17. 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?