There are three levels of government in Canada and they are the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Each level of government is divided into three branches: the legislative branch (which makes the laws), the executive branch (make sure people follow the laws), and the judicial branch (which applies the laws to specific court cases)
Each level of government has different responsibilities.
The federal government deals with areas of law listed in the Constitution Act, 1867 and that generally affects the whole country. This government is responsible for:
- National security
- Defence military
- International relation
- Citizenship and immigration
- Money +banking
- Postal service
The federal government is made up of Members of Parliament (MPs) from every province or territory in Canada. The political party that elects the most MPs forms the federal government and their leader becomes the Prime Minister.
The provincial government is responsible for areas listed in the Constitution Act, 1867, such as education, health care, some natural resources, road regulations and licences.
The provincial government is made up of the Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs). MLAs may also be called Members of the Provincial Parliament or MPPs (Ontario), Members of the House of Assembly or MHAs (Newfoundland and Nova Scotia) or Members of the National Assembly or NHAs (Quebec). These are elected officials that represent a geographical area of the province called a riding. The political party with the most MPPs forms the provincial government. The head is called the Premier.
The municipal government is usually based in a city, town or district. Municipal governments are responsible for areas such as libraries, parks, community water systems, local police, roadways and parking.
The municipal government is headed by a mayor. In First Nations communities, band councils are similar to municipal governments. The members elect the band council which makes decisions that affect the local community.
The June 7 election are coming up, which is the provincial election and the three main candidates are:
- Ontario liberal leader, Kathleen Wynne (current Premier)
“Doug Ford sounds like Donald Trump and that’s because he is like Donald Trump. He believes in an ugly, vicious brand of politics that traffics in smears and lies. He’ll say anything about anyone at any time because — just like Trump — it is all about him.”
- Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath
“What Ontario doesn’t need is Doug Ford, and what Ontario doesn’t want any more is Kathleen Wynne. That’s why we’re offering change for the better.”
- Ontario PC leader Doug Ford.
“After 15 years of Liberal mismanagement, scandal and waste, it’s time for change. We have seen this Liberal government make sure that they have taken care of their Liberal insider friends and … lobbyists. The party with the taxpayers’ dollars is over.
Now you now what the three levels of government are and what they are responsible for and make sure you stay educated and informed so you know who to vote for based on your values.
References:
lop.parl.ca
livelearn.ca
macleans.ca