SLIDE DECK 4B : Governments in Canada

1. SLIDE DECK 4B: Governments in Canada

2. How is government organized in Canada?

3. What is a representative democracy? • Representatives (or politicians) are chosen by people to act and speak on their behalf in government • Our representatives are chosen through elections • Representatives meet to debate issues and pass laws • Each representative is responsible for a different geographic area or community

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. Which level of government is responsible for what?

6. 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

7. Federal Government • The elected representative is called a Member of Parliament (MP) • There are currently 338 elected MPs • MPs meet at the House of Commons in Ottawa • The leader is called the prime minister

8. Provincial and Territorial Governments • The elected representatives have different titles based on the province/territory • Ontario - Members of Provincial Parliament (MPP) • Quebec - Members of the National Assembly (MNA) • Newfoundland and Labrador - Members of the House of Assembly (MHA) • Everywhere else – Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) • Elected members meet at their province’s or territory’s legislative assembly in their capital cities • The leader is usually called the premier

9. Brian Pallister Manitoba John Horgan British Columbia Jason Kenney Alberta Scott Moe Saskatchewan Doug Ford Ontario Provincial and Territorial Premiers François Legault Quebec Dennis King Prince Edward Island Blaine Higgs New Brunswick Stephen McNeil Nova Scotia Bob McLeod Northwest Territories Joe Savikataaq Nunavut Sandy Silver Yukon Dwight Ball Newfoundland and Labrador

10. 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

11. 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.

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

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

14. Can I contact my elected representatives? YES! Elected representatives expect to hear from their constituents when they have issues to discuss, or if they need help accessing government services. You can use mail, email, phone, or set up a meeting at their local constituency office.

15. 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?