1. SLIDE DECK 4:
Levels of Government

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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?