Canadian Government

Levels of Government

Federal

• The governor-general represents the sovereign (the Queen) at the federal level
  • As of 2022, Mary Simon currently holds this position
• The official title of the leader at this level is the Prime Minister
  • As of 2022, this role is filled by Justin Trudeau, who represents the Liberal Party.
• Elected members at this level of government are called Members of Parliament (MPs)
  • There are currently 338 elected MPs
• The Federal Government meets at the House of Commons
• The Federal Government is responsible for:
  • Foreign affairs
  • Immigration and citizenship
  • National defence
  • Currency
  • Public safety
  • Fisheries/oceans
• Elections at the Federal level are held every 4 to 5 years

Provincial

• The lieutenant governor represents the sovereign (the Queen) at the provincial level
  • As of 2022, Mary Simon currently holds this position
• The official title of the leader at this level is the Premier
  • As of early 2022 in Ontario, this role is fulfilled by Doug Ford, who is a member of the ^^Progressive Conservative (PC) Party^^
• Elected members at this level of government are called Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs)
• The Provincial Government meets at the Legislative Assembly
• The Provincial Government is responsible for:
  • Education
  • Health care delivery
  • Social welfare
  • Transportation
  • Highways
• Elections at the Federal level are approximately every 4 years

Municipal

• The head of a local council is called a mayor or reeve
  • They are elected by all citizens living in the municipality
• The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor or alderman
• The size and structure of the council depending on the size and makeup of the community
• Municipal councils meet, debate, and pass laws at the city/town hall
• The Municipal Government is responsible for:
  • Roads and bridges
  • Water and sewer service
  • Recreation and community facilities
  • Libraries
  • Police and fire protection
• Municipal Elections are held approximately every 4 years

Canada’s Constitution & Rights

Constitution

• Definition: The constitution is the supreme law of the land. It describes and restricts government power while outlining a country's government structure.
• Canada used to be a British colony, and therefore all laws had to be approved by the British government at first.
• Canada's constitution was initially named the “British North America Act” (BNA Act), which was written in 1867. This granted Canada the right to self-government.

\

Canada’s constitution displays the following:

• The establishment and definition of Canada's three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.
• Discusses Canada’s federal system and the balance of power between the federal and provincial legislatures.
• Regulations governing the amendment of the constitution
• The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

\

Canada’s Rights & Freedoms

• The Canadian Bill of Rights was first written in %%1960%%

• It was the first document regarding human rights, written at the federal level

• ^^The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms ^^was introduced to the ^^Canadian Constitution^^ on %%April 17, 1982%%, and now protects our rights and freedoms at both the provincial and national levels.

  </p>

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms has eight parts describing our Canadians' rights.

1. Fundamental Freedoms

• Freedom of religion
• Freedom of having and expressing (within restriction) your opinions
• Free media/press
• Freedom to choose your friends
• Right to protest

2. Mobility Rights

• Freedom to live and work in any Canadian province
• Freedom to leave Canada and return whenever you desire

3. Legal Rights

• You have the right to be free from unjustified searches, arrests, and incarceration.
• If you have been arrested, you must be notified of your right to consult with a lawyer.
• You are innocent until proven guilty in a just trial
• You have the right not to be subjected to torture or extreme punishments

4. Equality Rights

• You cannot be treated unjustly based on your race, colour, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, and mental or physical ability.

5. Official Languages of Canada

• You have the ability to talk/write to the Federal Government in either English or French.
  • This also applies to certain provinces (for example Ontario)

6. Minority Language Education Rights

• You have the right of French or English minority in every province and territory to get an education in their native tongue if there are enough students (go to French or English schools)

7. Democratic Rights

• When you are 18 years old, you have the ability to:
  • vote in elections
  • run in an election
• Canadian governments are required to hold elections at a maximum of every 5 years (federal elections are planned every four years)
• Elected officials must meet at least once every year

8. Aboriginal Rights

• Recognition of native peoples' existing aboriginal and treaty rights (Inuit, Indian, Metis)

\
\