Governance in Canada Federal, Provincial, Municipal, Aboriginal & You

IntroductionWhy is government important? “We cannot work or eat or drink; we cannot buy or sell or own anything; we cannot go to a ball game or a hockey game or watch TV without feeling the effects of government. We cannot marry or educate our children; cannot be sick, born or buried without the hand of government somewhere intervening.” - Senator Eugene Forsey To begin, brainstorm your ideas on the purpose and function of government in Canada. Consider the following… What should it do? What does government mean to you? What does it do? Do we need government? What are its responsibilities? Home

IntroductionWhat will I learn? This Learning Centre will provide you with a general overview of government in Canada, with individual learning modules for each of the four main areas of governance: federal, provincial, municipal, and Aboriginal. Along with lessons for each section, you will find a variety of activities that will help you improve your understanding of each level of government. In addition, there is a section on the importance of citizen involvement in government, with activities to guide you in taking action and influencing change. You will also find a Glossary of important terms and a References & Resources section of references for further information and exploration. Home

IntroductionHow will I learn? The purpose of this Learning Centre is to provide you with an introduction to Canadian government in a self-directed manner. You can read the various sections in any order you chose, and you can complete the activities at your own pace. Let’s get started! Home

Learning Modules Introduction Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Federal Activities Provincial Activities Municipal Activities Aboriginal Activities Influencing Government “Take Action” Activities Government Glossary References & Resources Home

Activities Index Activity #1 - The Political Spectrum Federal Activity #2 - Federal Government Diagram Activity #3 - Mock Parliament Provincial Activity #1 - Crossword Puzzle Activity #2 - Research Essay Activity #1 - Your Local Municipality Municipal Activity #2 - City Council Meetings Activity #3 - Create a Political Cartoon Aboriginal Activity #1 - Becoming Self-Governing Activity #2 - Caring for Local Resources Take Action Activity #1 - How Can Students Influence Gov’t? Activity #2 - A Plan for Action Home

Federal Government Home Introduction Introduction Federal Gov’t The federal government of Canada is the system of governance that oversees Canada as a nation. The Federal Parliament is in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa, Ontario. Our federal government was created by the Constitution Act of 1867 and follows the British parliamentary tradition. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Three Branches Key Components Resources Key Positions Additional Info

Federal Gov’t Branches of Government Home Introduction What are they and what do they do? Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Executive Branch The Executive Branch is made up of the people who propose bills or legislation. This includes the Queen, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Legislative Branch The Legislative Branch is made up of the people who debate and vote upon proposed bills, including the House of Commons, the Senate, and the Queen. Judiciary Branch The Judiciary is the court system of Canada. It includes the Supreme Court, which is the highest level of legal authority in the country. It also included is the Federal Court as well as the Provincial Courts. Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t Key Components Home Introduction Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Cabinet House of Commons Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Senate Supreme Court Take Action Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t The Cabinet Home Introduction The Cabinet is made up of Ministers who are appointed by the Prime Minister after a successful election. It usually contains 20-40 members who are responsible for creating and introducing legislation. Members, by custom, are also members of the House of Commons. Whenever possible, there has to be a Minister from every province in the Cabinet. Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t The House of Commons Home Introduction Federal Gov’t The House of Commons contains 308 members, who are called Members of Parliament (MPs). Each member is elected from their respective constituency. Every province contains a different number of constituencies, which translates into a different number of representatives from each province in the House. Click here to see a chart of the breakdown. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Legislation must be passed by the House before it can become law. The House contains 20 standing committees, each with its own particular focus (agriculture, transportation, etc.). Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t The Senate Home Introduction Federal Gov’t The Senate is appointed by the Governor General upon recommendation of the Prime Minister. It contains 105 members, with each province having a set number of seats. Members have to be 30 years old and live in the province that they represent. Members are only allowed to be a Senator until the age of 75. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index In addition to needing the approval of the House, no legislation can become law unless it is passed by the Senate. The Senate can initiate any legislation that does not contain public expenditure. Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t The Supreme Court Home Introduction The Supreme Court was established in 1875 by an act of Parliament. It consists of 9 judges, 3 of whom must be from Quebec, and none of whom can serve past the age of 75. Judges are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Cabinet. The Supreme Court has the 'final say' on constitutional issues and on any civil or criminal case that has been brought to them from either a Provincial Court or the Federal Court. Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t Key Positions Home Introduction Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t The Sovereign The Governor General Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index The Prime Minister Ministers Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources Speakers

Federal Gov’t The Sovereign Home Introduction Federal Gov’t Although Canada has a parliamentary government, it is also a Constitutional Monarch. This means that the formal head of state is the reigning monarch of Britain, making Queen Elizabeth II Canada's Sovereign. The Queen's power in Canada is held by the Governor General. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t The Prime Minister Home Introduction Federal Gov’t The Prime Minister (PM) literally means the “first minister”. The PM has to be a member of the House of Commons, or must obtain a position upon election. The PM is appointed by the Governor General, which occurs automatically after a successful election. If the opposition wins more than half the seats in an election, then the Governor General calls upon the leader of the opposition to take the position of Prime Minister. The PM is more powerful than any other minister, and has the ability to hire or fire ministers. The current Prime Minister is Stephen Harper of the Conservative Party. See References & Resources for a complete list of past Prime Ministers. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t The Governor General Home Introduction Federal Gov’t The Governor General (GG) is the Sovereign's representative in Canada, and exercises all of the Crown's powers. Appointed by the Sovereign at the Prime Minister's recommendation, the GG usually fulfills a 5-year term. However, this can be extended. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action The current Governor General is the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean. Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t Ministries & Ministers Home Introduction Federal Gov’t Ministers are members of the Cabinet that have been appointed by the Prime Minister. Each minister has a department which they oversee. For example, there is a Minister of Finance, Minister of Education, and Minister of Transportation. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t Speakers Home Introduction Federal Gov’t There is a speaker for both the Senate and the House of Commons. The Senate speaker is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary The House of Commons speaker is elected by secret ballot and must be a member of the House of Commons. The speakers are the presiding officers in their respective institutions. They are in charge of procedure and order during discussions. They are expected to be non-partisan and enforce the rules upon everyone equally. Resources

Federal Gov’t Additional Information Home Introduction Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Federal Jurisdiction Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Political Parties Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources Minority vs. Majority

Federal Gov’t Federal Jurisdiction Home Introduction Because Canada follows a federal system, both the provincial and national governments have power, but not necessarily over the same things. The Constitution of 1867 states that the federal (or national) government has the power to “make laws for the peace, order and good government of Canada,” but this does not include those “subjects assigned exclusively to the legislature of the provinces.” This basically means that anything not covered by the provinces is automatically under federal jurisdiction. However, there are a few powers that are strictly federal, including: - direct and indirect taxation - regulation of trade and commerce - welfare assistance - hospital insurance and medicare - defense Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t Political Parties Home Introduction Federal Gov’t Conservative Party Liberal Party Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index New Democratic Party Bloc Quebecois Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources Green Party

Federal Gov’t Conservative Party Home Introduction Federal Gov’t The Conservative Party (or Tories) is usually socially and fiscally conservative or prudent. Socially, the party generally does not support gay marriage or abortion rights, and supports harsher and longer penalties for criminals. In fiscal terms, the Tories follow a laissez faire economic policy, and would be against government intervention in the economy. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action As a result, the Conservative Party is on the right side of the political spectrum. Its current leader is Prime Minister Stephen Harper. See the Resources page for the Conservative Party's website. Glossary Resources

Federal Gov’t Liberal Party Home Introduction The Liberal Party (or Whigs) is generally more socially liberal than the Conservative Party. They support tougher gun control laws and, in the past, have focused on keeping a balanced budget. The Whigs gravitate around the centre of the political spectrum, often moving to the right or left side depending on the issue at hand. The current Liberal leader is Michael Ignatief. Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources See the Resources page for the Liberal Party's website.

Federal Gov’t New Democratic Party Home Introduction Federal Gov’t The goals of the NDP include the desire to abolish the Senate, expand health care, legalize recreational drugs, and create equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. These views place the New Democratic Party (NDP) on the left side of the political spectrum. The current NDP leader is Jack Layton. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources See the Resources page for the NDP's website.

Federal Gov’t Bloc Quebecois Home Introduction Federal Gov’t The Bloc is concerned with protecting Quebec's interests and promoting its sovereignty. It only campaigns inside Quebec during an election. The Bloc is on the left side of the political spectrum, and current leader is Gilles Duceppe. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources See the Resources page for the Bloc Quebecois’ website.

Federal Gov’t Green Party Home Introduction Federal Gov’t The focus of the Green Party is primarily on “green”, or environmental, issues and concerns. Socially, the Green Party aims to end homelessness by creating subsidized housing; guarantees a minimum livable income; and opposes private sector involvement in health care, education and prison services. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t The Green Party is located on the left end of the political spectrum, and is currently led by Elizabeth May, the only female federal party leader. Take Action Glossary Resources See the Resources page for the Bloc Quebecois’ website.

Federal Gov’t Majority vs. Minority Gov’t Home Introduction Federal Gov’t A political party does not have to receive more than fifty percent of the popular vote or seats in order to win an election. When a party wins fifty percent or more of the available seats, it is called a majority government, because it will have a majority of the seats in the House of Commons. When a wining party has less than fifty percent of the available seats, it is called a minority government. It has more seats than any other individual party, but if enough of the opposing parties decide to ally, they have the potential to out-vote the party in power on legislative issues. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Federal Activities Home Introduction Federal Gov’t Activity #1: Federal Government Diagram Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Activity #2: The Political Spectrum Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources Activity #3: Mock Parliament

Provincial Government Home Introduction Introduction & History Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t The BC provincial government was formed after Confederation with Eastern Canada in 1871. This was a result of several negotiations between the old colonial government and the Government of Canada. Canada became a coast to coast nation like its neighbors to the south, which prevented US influence from drawing BC into the union. To persuade BC to join Confederation, Canada granted the province many concessions, such as the intercontinental railway. One measure the Canadian government would not compromise on, however, was changing the existing responsible government system in place in Ottawa. This system, known as the Westminster Parliamentary Tradition, was maintained in the new union. Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Provincial Gov’t Branches and Duties Home Introduction Federal Gov’t The BC government is composed of 3 branches, much like the federal government: Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Executive Legislative Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Judiciary Take Action Glossary The provincial governments’ jurisdiction, or control, is defined by the Constitution Act of 1867. These areas include direct taxation, education, control of private land, natural resource use (and unlimited taxation rights on natural resources), regulation of labor relations, and education. Resources

Provincial Gov’t Executive Branch Home Introduction The Executive Branch of the government is mainly responsible for forming official policy on issues facing BC; authoring the annual budget for approval by the legislative branch; and planning and implementing the laws passed. Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t The Lieutenant Governor is the representative of the Queen, though mostly a figurehead at this point, who is appointed by the Premier. Take Action Glossary Resources

Provincial Gov’t Executive Branch Home Introduction Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t The Premier and Cabinet is made up of the Party Leader and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) of the governing party, which is determined in provincial elections every 4 years. The public service is the impartial bureaucratic arm that enacts and implements orders and services approved by the government. Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Provincial Gov’t Legislative Branch Home Introduction The Legislative Branch, or Legislature, is made up of elected members (MLAs). MLAs are elected by the constituents in their local riding (or territory). The Legislature is a forum for social, political and economic issues facing the province. Its approval is required for the executive branch to enact new laws, policy or budget spending. Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action The government MLAs present the government’s argument, while opposition MLAs are there to critique, monitor and hold accountable government policy and practice. Glossary Resources

Provincial Gov’t Judicial Branch Home Introduction Federal Gov’t The Judicial Branch of the government is represented by the Provincial Court, the BC Supreme Court, and the BC Court of Appeals. The role of the Judicial Branch is to interpret and enforce laws passed by the government and uphold the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Judges in the Provincial Court are appoint by the Lieutenant Governor, while Supreme Court and Appeal Court judges are appointed by the Federal Governor General. Take Action Glossary Resources

Provincial Gov’t Cabinet & Ministries Home Introduction What are ministries & what are their responsibilities? Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t The cabinet is composed of ministers who lead various ministries in the provincial government. Here is a list of current provincial ministries and a summation of a few of their duties. One way to think of cabinet ministers would be to imagine them as department managers in a department store. Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Here is list of current provincial cabinet ministers under Premier Gordon Campbell (as of October 2009). In the previous analogy, Gordon Campbell would be the department store manager. Glossary Resources Premier Gordon Campbell

Provincial Gov’t BC Legislature Home Introduction Party Distribution Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t The two parties currently represented in the BC Legislature are the BC Liberal Party, who form the government with 49 seats, and the New Democratic Party, who sit as the opposition with 35 seats. There is also one seat filled by an Independent. The BC Liberal Party is not affiliated with the Federal Liberal Party. The Conservative Party and the Green Party are additional provincial parties that currently hold no seats. Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources Click here for a full list of all registered political parties in BC.

Provincial Gov’t Major Differences Home Introduction Comparing Federal & Provincial Governments Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t The provincial legislative branch does not include a senate. This is known as a unicameral body, as opposed to the federal bicameral. In BC, unlike some other provinces, election cycles are set at a firm date of every 4 years. However, minority governments can still be defeated at any time by a confidence motion. Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Provincial Gov’t Major Differences Home Introduction Comparing Federal & Provincial Governments Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t • Though jurisdiction in certain areas is defined as a provincial right, there are cases where the federal government has overruled or set policy for all provinces. An example of this is health care service expectations. Provincial governments must adhere to defined boundaries such as this one. • Despite both federal and provincial governments having taxation legislation in place, provincial governments do not have their own revenue services. All taxation is collected by the federal government and then returned to the province. Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Provincial Activities Home Introduction Crossword Puzzle Federal Gov’t Provincial Gov’t Activity #1: Crossword Instructions Municipal Gov’t Answer Key Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Activity #2: Research Essay Take Action Glossary Resources

Municipal Government Home Introduction Introduction Federal Gov’t In many ways, local governments represent the most relevant and familiar form of governance to Canadians, because of their direct involvement in the regulation, structure, and development of our communities. Since local governments play a significant role in the daily lives of citizens, it is particularly important for Canadians to understand the organization and operation of their own local governing body. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Municipalities Municipal Gov’t Home Introduction Federal What are they? Federal Gov’t The most common form of local government is the municipality. This local entity falls below the federal and provincial (or territorial) governments in terms of voice and power. Provincial Gov’t Provincial Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Municipal Influencing Gov’t Take Action In 1849, Canada’s Legislative Assembly approved the Municipal Corporations Act, which granted municipal governments the authority to raise taxes and enact by-laws. The Act also established a hierarchy of municipal levels, from cities through to townships. Glossary Resources

Municipalities Municipal Gov’t Home Introduction What do they do? Federal Gov’t Today, each province or territory in Canada is given the right to delegate some of its responsibilities to municipal governing bodies. While the federal and provincial governments are independent entities with their own powers and policy jurisdictions, local governments derive their powers from provincial law. This means that provinces and territories have the ability to create, modify, amalgamate, or eliminate municipal governments as necessary. As well, they assign the powers that each municipality is entitled to carry out. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Local & Regional Municipal Gov’t Home Introduction Levels of Municipal Government Federal Gov’t Each province and territory contains hundreds of municipal governments, which vary in name and size. Like federal and provincial governments, municipalities also have their own political figures and institutions. There are two main levels of municipal government, each with different roles and responsibilities. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources Local Regional

Local Municipalities Municipal Gov’t Home Introduction What is a local municipality? Federal Gov’t Local municipalities govern geographic areas that are relatively small and contained, including cities, towns, townships, villages, and parishes. Local municipalities are also referred to as lower tier municipalities, wherever there is a higher level of local government providing services and regulation for citizens. Single tier municipalities are located in areas where there are no other levels of municipal government. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Local Municipalities Municipal Gov’t Home Introduction What do local municipalities do? Federal Gov’t • All municipalities have a local council, usually made up of elected councillors or aldermen and headed by an elected mayor or reeve. • The council oversees the daily operation of the municipality, and is charged with various power and responsibilities, such as: •  taxation •  budgeting •  planning and development •  parks •  provision of public services Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources More on municipal responsibilities…

Case Study: Local Mayor Dean Fortin Municipal Gov’t Home Introduction City of Victoria Federal Gov’t Situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the City of Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Victoria, BC Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary With a population of around 300,000 citizens, Victoria is run by Mayor Dean Fortin and the City Council. Victoria’s Council is composed of eight Councillors who carry out a three-year term. Resources

Case Study: Local Municipal Gov’t Home Introduction City of Victoria Federal Gov’t Council meets on the second and forth Thursday of each month, and Councillors sit on various committees, such as the Community Development Standing Committee and the Governance and Priorities Committee. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index In addition, the City of Victoria runs a number of boards and committees beyond City Council, such as the Athletic Commission and the Greater Victoria Library Board. Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Case Study: Local Municipal Gov’t Home Introduction Victoria’s Strategic Priorities Federal Gov’t • In 2009, City Council identified seven Strategic Priorities that were considered worthy of immediate action. These priorities included: • 1. Addressing homelessness • 2. Promoting affordable housing • 3. Improving governance of Council • 4. Enhancing public communication • 5. Improving local health and safety • 6. Providing quality infrastructure • 7. Dealing with late night issues downtown Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Regional Municipalities Municipal Gov’t Home Introduction What is a regional municipality? Federal Gov’t Larger local governments, known as regional or upper tier municipalities, manage groups of smaller municipalities within their jurisdiction. Regional governments (also known as districts or counties) are established to impose a single area-wide administrative and political structure to provide municipal functions more efficiently. They are also used to collect sufficient tax income to fund expensive services or capital projects. Provincial Gov’t Municipal Gov’t Aboriginal Gov’t Activities Index Influencing Gov’t Take Action Glossary Resources

Governance in Canada Federal, Provincial, Municipal, Aboriginal & You