Democratic Government: Canadian Style

1. Democratic Government: Canadian Style

2. What is Canada’s Constitution? Canada is a Constitutional Monarchy- to me and you it means we are ruled by laws outlined in a document called The Constitution. It is the supreme law of the land • It has two important tasks: • It outlines the structure for governing a nation • It defines and limits which government authorities have what power

3. The 3 Levels of Canadian Government In Canada, power and responsibility for making laws, regulations, and policies is divided between 3 levels of Government: Federal (Canada) Provincial (Ontario) Municipal (CKL)

4. The 3 Levels of Canadian Government Federal Government National defence Foreign Diplomacy International Trade Aboriginal Affairs Postal Service Banking Systems Criminal Law Marriage and Divorce Law Municipal Government Public Transit Garbage collection and disposal services Water and sewage Snow removal Fire protection services Including EMS - 911 Zoning land Local police services Collection of property taxes and fees for many licenses Provincial Government Education Health services, hospitals Health Cards Some natural resources, environmental issues New environmental disposal fees (ie. Home Depot, paint) Charities Licenses Driver’s License Highways QEW, 401 – maintenance and construction Provincial Court system Marriage and Divorce Processes Provincial police, prisons Ie. OPP

5. The Traditions of Our Parliamentary System • Canada’s government is modeled after the government of Great Britain. • Canada’s HIGHEST decision-making body is its Parliament. • Canada’s Parliament consists of the Queen (who is represented in Canada by the governor general); the Senate, and the House of Commons

6. Constitutional Monarchy • A government in which the monarch has only the powers laid out in the nation’s constitution and laws. • Queen Elizabeth II exercises very little power in Canada, but she is still Head of State in accordance with tradition.

7. The Governor General (David Johnston) • The Queen’s Representative in the Federal Government • Appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Canadian government • Functions include: • Opens parliament; reads the Speech from the Throne • Greets foreign leaders and dignitaries • Formally acknowledges outstanding contributions of Canadians with awards and medals • Ensures that Canada has a government (calls elections).

8. Canada’s Parliament Executive “Executes” the policies created by the legislative branch Legislative Proposes bills, debates, and creates/changes/repeals laws Judicial Interprets & enforces laws; ensures new laws are constitutional

9. Canada’s Parliament Executive “Executes” the policies created by the legislative branch Queen (Governor General) Our head of state; the queen inherits her title Prime Minister An elected MP; Leader of the party in power Cabinet MPs appointed by the PM to be in charge of certain ministries Civil Service People who work in government offices; the front line

10. Canada’s Parliament Legislative Proposes bills, debates, and creates/changes/repeals laws Queen (Governor General) Provides “Royal Assent” – the final signature in the creation of a law Senate Appointed on the the recommendation of the PM; provides “sober second thought” on legislation after it passes through the House House of Commons The elected Members of Parliament who propose bills, debate, and create/change/repeal laws

11. Canada’s Parliament Judicial • Administers justice by interpreting and applying the law. • Includes judges and the courts • Independent from the other branches • Includes the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court, and the Provincial Courts Interprets & enforces laws; ensures new laws are constitutional

12. Canada’s Parliament • The legislative branch creates a law about when people can fish. • The executive branch sets up various ministries and licensing agencies that restrict fishing activity. • The judiciary tries people that break the law and decides on an appropriate punishment.