WEEK 3

Canada as a Federal State

Canada is a federal state with shared powers between the federal government and provinces.

Canada as a Constitutional Monarchy

Canada is a constitutional monarchy where the Queen is the symbolic head of state, with actual power held by elected officials.

Governor General

he Governor General is the representative of the Queen in Canada. Current Governor General: Mary Simon.

Bicameral System

Canada's Parliament has two houses: the elected House of Commons and the appointed Senate

Who Makes Decisions in Canada?

The executive, led by the Prime Minister and Cabinet, drives the political process and decision-making in Canada.

Branches of Government

The branches include the House of Commons/Senate, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Court.

How Does Parliament Work?

• Throne Speech: Starts a new session, outlining the government's plans.

• Adjournment: Temporarily suspends parliament until the next sitting.

• Dissolution: Ends a parliamentary term, leading to elections.

• Prorogation: Pauses parliament, usually before a new session begins.

  "Speech to start, pause or end, then election."

Majority vs Minority Government

A majority government has more than half the seats in Parliament; a minority government does not and depends on opposition support.

Executive Power in Canada

Real decision-making is done with the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Any money bill must be introduced by the Cabinet.

Responsible Government

the executive must maintain the confidence of the legislature or resign.

About Cabinet

Cabinet ministers manage government departments. They have equal power, but there's a ranking system (pecking order).

What is an Order-in-Council?

An order made by the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, to implement certain decisions.

What is Cabinet Solidarity?

all Cabinet members must publicly support decisions, even if they disagree personally.

The Prime Minister

head of government, forms the Cabinet, makes policies, and leads in the House of Commons.

Where are Decisions Made in Canada?

Parliament and Cabinet.

Cabinet Approval Process

The process involves departments, ministers, Cabinet committees, and coordination with the Privy Council Office (PCO) and Treasury Board.

Individual Ministerial Responsibility

responsible for their department’s actions and can be held accountable for mistakes or scandals.

Influence on Cabinet Decisions

Bureaucracy’s neutrality, the Parliamentary Budget Office, and Officers of Parliament influence Cabinet decisions.

Example – Tori Stafford Case

The case sparked controversy when a convicted murderer, Terri-Lynne McClintic, was transferred to an Indigenous healing lodge.

How Does the House of Commons Function?

MPs work with the Speaker, participate in Question Period, and may belong to opposition or government parties.

Role of the Speaker in the House of Commons

The Speaker maintains order during debates, ensures rules are followed, and represents the House in its relations with the Crown.

The Senate in Canada

they are appointed by the Prime Minister, serve until age 75, and represent regional interests. Reforms, like a Triple-E Senate, have been debated.

Court Government

the Prime Minister and a few advisers hold significant power, raising concerns about a democratic deficit.

What is a Democratic Deficit?

when decision-making power is held by a small group, reducing public involvement.