levels of government

Advocate

A person who speaks up for or supports a cause, group, or another person.

Bill

A proposed law that is discussed and voted on before it can become an official law.

Cabinet minister

MLAs chosen by the Premier to be in charge of different government departments, such as education or health.

Constituency Office

A local office where people can contact their MLA for help, information, or to share concerns.

Constituency’

A geographic area that elects one MLA to represent the people who live there.

Constituents

The people who live in a constituency and are represented by an MLA

Government

The group of elected people who make decisions, create laws, and run the province or country.

Income tax

Money taken from a person’s earnings by the government to help pay for public services like schools, roads, and hospitals.

Independents

MLAs who are not members of a political party.

Injustice

A situation that is unfair or does not treat people equally.

Legislative Assembly

The place where elected MLAs meet to discuss issues, debate bills, and make laws for the province.

Lieutenant Governor

The King’s representative in a province who performs official duties and gives final approval to provincial laws.

Ministry

A government department responsible for a specific area, such as education, health, or transportation.

MLA

An MLA is a person who is elected by people in their area to speak for them and help make laws for the province.

Official opposition

The political party with the second-largest number of seats in the Legislative Assembly. Its job is to question and challenge the government’s decisions.

Opposition

The political parties and MLAs that are not part of the government. They review and question government actions.

Petition

A formal written request signed by people who want the government to take action on an issue.

Political party

A group of people with similar ideas and goals who work together to get elected and influence government decisions.

Poll

A survey that asks people for their opinions or preferences on an issue or election.

Premier

The leader of a provincial government and the head of the political party that forms the government.

Public meeting

A gathering where people can discuss community issues, ask questions, and share their opinions.

Recount

A second count of votes in an election to make sure the original count was correct, usually when the result is very close.