UNIT 2 - Canadian Politics

Constitutional monarchy

A form of government in which a monarch acts as the head of state within the parameters of a constitution.

Branches of the Canadian government

Legislative, Executive, Judicial

Senate

The Upper House of the Canadian Parliament. Represents the people in their region, and proposes, debates and passes laws.

Senators

The people are appointed by the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister, to represent Canada's provinces and territories.

Government representative in the Senate

This senator is appointed by the Prime Minister to bring forward the government's bills in the Senate.

Leader of the opposition in the Senate

This senator is head of the largest party in the Senate that is not the government.

Speaker of the Senate

This senator oversees debates and facilitates chamber business. They are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments

This person supports all aspects of the legislative process and oversees the legislative services provided by the Senate.

Usher of the Black Rod

This individual has many ceremonial and administrative duties, including leading the Speaker's Parade that starts each day and overseeing the security of the chamber.

House of Commons

The Lower House of the Canadian Parliament, where Members of Parliament (MPs) debate and pass laws.

Prime Minister

As the Head of Government, this MP defends the government's actions and policies in the House of Commons.

Cabinet Ministers

These MPs are chosen by the Prime Minister to run government departments, such as Finance, National Defence, and Global Affairs.

Speaker of the House of Commons

This MP facilitates debates, maintains order, and interprets the rules and traditions of the House of Commons.

Opposition members

These MPs are not part of the governing political party. Their role is to ask the government questions and to provide alternative perspectives on issues.

Clerk of the House

This person is the chief administrative officers of the House. Among other duties, they advise the Speaker on parliamentary procedure.

Sergeant-At-Arms

This person is responsible for the security of the House of Commons.

Supreme Court of Canada

The highest court in the Canadian judicial system, responsible for interpreting the law and ensuring its constitutionality.

Lower Courts

Provincial and territorial courts that handle less serious criminal and civil cases.

Representative democracy

A form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Why elections take place in Canada

by constitutional rule or a question of confidence

Levels of government

federal, provincial/territorial, municipal

Administrative regions

Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut

Political parties

Political groups that present their policies and candidates to the electorate. They register with Elections Canada, and play a role in the parliamentary process if they have more than a minimum number of members in the House of Commons or Senate.

Single-member plurality electoral system

Also known as "first past the post". The political candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins the seat and becomes the MP for that area. The government is usually formed by the party whose candidates win the most seats, as they are most likely to hold the confidence of the House (be supported by a majority of MPs).

Majority government

The governing party has more than half of the seats - and potential votes - in the House of Commons (170 out of 338 seats).

Minority government

Formed when no political party has a majority of seats in the House of Commons. As a result, the political party that forms the government requires the support of another political party (or parties) to pass laws.

Coalition government

Consists of two or more political parties that agree to form a government together, with a Cabinet that includes ministers from each party.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Part of the Canadian Constitution, protecting fundamental rights and freedoms of Canadians.

Foreign policy

A government's strategy (formal or informal) in dealing with other nations (not just countries) and establishing international relationships.

Canadian foreign policy

Governing and managing Canada's and Canadians' relations with the outside world.

Factors impacting Canadian foreign policy

geographic (location, size), economic (trade agreements, economic partnerships, natural resources, labour policies), cultural considerations (multicultural identity, bilingualism, immigration), partnerships, etc.

Global Affairs Canada

A department of the Canadian government under the leadership of the Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development; and the Minister of International Development. They look to advance Canada's international relations and foreign policy.

International trade and diplomacy

Global Affairs Canada promotes Canada's interests and values through policy development, diplomacy, advocacy, and effective engagement.

Trade and investment

Global Affairs Canada supports increased and more diverse trade and investment to raise the standard of living for all Canadians and to enable Canadian businesses to grow internationally and to create economic opportunities.

Development, peace, and security programming

Global Affairs Canada programming contributes to reducing poverty, increasing opportunity for people around the world, alleviating suffering in humanitarian crises, and fostering peace and security, and in so doing, advances the Sustainable Development Goals.

Help for Canadians abroad

Global Affairs Canada provides timely and appropriate consular services for Canadians abroad, contributing to their safety and security.

Support for Canada's presence abroad

Global Affairs Canada manages and delivers resources, infrastructure and services enabling Canada's presence abroad, including at embassies, high commissions, and consulates.

Internal services

Management and oversight services, communications services, legal services, HR management services, financial management services, information management services, IT services, real property management services, material management services, acquisition management services.

Global Affairs Canada key areas of commitment (2023-24)

1. Shaping the rules-based international system and promoting democracy and human rights
2. Advancing Canadian interests through deepened global engagement
3. Supporting rules-based trade and Canadian exporters
4. Eradicating poverty

The UN

An international organization established to promote peace, cooperation, and diplomacy among nations worldwide.

NATO

A military alliance of North American and European countries formed to defend against common security threats.

G7

An intergovernmental organization consisting of the world's seven largest advanced economies.

Commonwealth of Nations

A voluntary association of 54 countries, most of which are former territories of the British Empire.

La Francophonie

An international organization that promotes the use of the French language and cultural exchange among French-speaking countries and regions.

Arctic Council

A forum for Arctic states and indigenous communities to discuss environmental protection and sustainable development in the Arctic region.

NORAD

A binational military organization between Canada and the United States responsible for aerospace warning and defense.

Legislative

Responsible for creating laws, consisting of the Senate and the House of Commons.

Executive

Manages the daily operations of the government, led by the Prime Minister.

Judicial

Interprets laws and ensures they are applied fairly, headed by the Supreme Court of Canada.

MPs

Members of Parliament elected to represent specific constituencies in the House of Commons.