3 Levels of Government

Federal, Provincial, Municipal

The Federal Government

Canada is united under a federal system

In a federal system the government is divided into 3 LEVELS

Federal Gov’t (Current Leader: Stephan Harper) Provincial Gov’t (Current Leader: Christi Clark) Municipal Gov’t (Current Leader: Diane Watts)

Responsibilities: p224

Government Responsibilities

Federal Responsibilities

Provincial Responsibilities

Municipal Responsibilities

Shared Powers/Responsibilities

both FEDERAL and PROVINCIAL governments can create laws regarding: p224 (Fig. 9.5) Immigration Agriculture Health Care Natural Resources Environmental Issues

The Fathers of Confederation assigned all new areas of decision-making that did not yet exist, or were not listed in 1867 to the FEDERAL GOV’T as residual (left over) powers.

This explains why cable television stations, computers, modems and faxes fall under Federal Gov’t responsibilities.

3 Branches of Government

Executive, Legislative, Judicial

The Parliamentary System

In Canada, Parliament is the highest branch of gov’t that can make laws

The powers of gov’t are divided into 3 braches Legislative – law making Executive – Prime Minister and his peeps (Cabinet) Judicial - court system

The Trees of Power

Executive power of government: makes decisions and administrate them (through the civil

service)

Legislative power of government: makes law and amends laws

Judicial power of government: Court system has the power to interpret and administer the law power is separate from the other two branches to ensure

gov’t acts within the boundaries of the Constitution Judicial Power rests within the courts & judges

Branches of Federal Government

Legislative Branch of Federal Gov’t

Also called Parliament

Parliament is composed of: Governor General House of Commons (Cabinet) The Senate

Parliament must meet once a year in what is called a SESSION.

Parliament’s Function: in each session, Parliament debates, makes and amends laws.

Question Period: where opposition parties challenge the government’s actions and raise any other issues that need to be addressed.