About Canada - Parliament, Government & Law
The Government ...
Canada and Europe share a long and distinguished history of similar democratic values, institutions and rights. While our government
systems may differ, our common approach to foreign policy and security issues, as well as our history together of promoting peace,
stability and democracy, continues to serve as a model for many countries throughout the world. (Visit
CanadaEuropa for more about a
number of legal agreements currently in place between Canada and the countries of Europe.)
Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a federal state with a democratic system
of government. The Parliament of Canada, in Ottawa, consists of the House of
Commons, whose 301 members are elected, and the Senate, whose 105members are
appointed. On average, Members of Parliament are elected every four years. The
Prime Minister, who normally is the leader of the party with the largest number
of seats in the House of Commons, is the head of Parliament. The Prime Minister
appoints some 25 members of Parliament as ministers who make up the Cabinet.
The Cabinet develops government policy and is responsible to the House of Commons.
Headed by Cabinet, the Government of Canada performs its duties through the
intermediary of the federal departments and agencies, boards, commissions and
state-owned corporations.
Rights and Freedoms ...
Canada is a world leader in guaranteeing the rights of its citizens. and Canadians
have been strong defenders of human rights throughout the world. In fact, John
Humphrey, a law professor at McGill U niversity, was one of the drafters of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and was the first director of the
human rights program at the United Nations. In Canada, our rights and freedoms
are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which came into
effect on April 17, 1982. The Charter sets out those rights and freedoms that
Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society. The rights
and freedoms contained in the Charter include: freedom of expression: the right
to a democratic government: Aboriginal peoples' rights: the right to equality,
including the equality of men and women: the right to use either of Canada's
official languages: and the protection of Canada's multicultural heritage.
Provincial Government ...
Canada has ten provinces and three territories, each with its own government
and capital city (in brackets): Alberta (Edmonton); British Columbia (Victoria);
Manitoba (Winnipeg); New Brunswick (Fredericton); Newfoundland (St. John's);
Nova Scotia (Halifax); Ontario (Toronto); Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown);
Quebec (Quebec City); Saskatchewan (Regina); Northwest Territories (Yellowknife);
Nunavut (Iqaluit); and Yukon Territory (Whitehorse).
Canada: A Flexible and Evolving Federation ...
The Fathers of Confederation chose a system of government that allows each province
and territory to evolve in accordance with its own characteristics and priorities
while enjoying the benefits of being part of Canada. The Constitution is the
foundation of the Canadian federation. The federal system is based on flexible
mechanisms that make it possible to make changes and adjustments without the
need to amend this fundamental law. For example, since the 1960s, a series of
agreements between the Canadian and Quebec governments has enabled the province
of Quebec to broaden its field of activity to areas traditionally occupied by
the Government of Canada. The Canadian and Quebec governments have negotiated
four administrative agreements on immigration that enable Quebec to select and
integrate its immigrants. Similar agreements were subsequently concluded with
regard to economic development and international agreements. It was possible
to achieve these agreements without amending the Constitution.
Canada's Legal System ...
Canada is a young country, but it has a legal system rich in tradition. Common
law, which is used in all provinces except Quebec, is based on principles that
were developed in medieval England. The principles of Quebec's civil law date
back even further, to the Roman Empire, and reflect many of the precepts of
French law. These traditions form the basis of Canada's legal heritage. Over
time, they have been adapted to meet Canadian needs. The courts interpret the
law in a way that reflects changing conditions and circumstances. Canada's Constitution
is the supreme law of the country, and it establishes the framework for the
system of law and justice.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) ...
The red-coated, broad-hatted Mountie has become one of the most widely recognized
symbols of Canada. The colourful Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) musical
ride, an exhibition on horseback set to music, is a popular attraction in Canada
and abroad. But the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is not simply a part of the
Canadian mythology, and its activities are not confined to equestrian displays.
The RCMP is Canada's national police force, and it has earned an international
reputation as one of the best in the world.
Independent Policy Research in Canada ...
Useful Links ...
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