A Look at Canada

Government in Canada

There are federal, provincial, territorial and municipal (or local) levels of government in Canada. The responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments were first defined in 1867 in the British North America Act.

In general, the federal government takes major responsibility for matters that affect all of Canada. These include national defence, foreign policy and citizenship. Provincial and territorial governments look after such matters as education, health care and highways. They share responsibilities with the federal government in some areas.

The municipal (or local) governments of each city or community are responsible for matters such as firefighting, snow removal, and recycling programs. Canadian citizens can vote in elections for all levels of government.

The Parliament of Canada

Canada is a democracy. It has a system of parliamentary government. Parliament has three parts: the Queen, the House of Commons and the Senate.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is our Head of State. The Governor General of Canada is the Queen’s representative in Canada.

Canadians elect representatives, called members of Parliament (or MPs), to sit in the House of Commons. The people who serve in the Senate are chosen by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Governor General. They are called senators. The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party with the most elected members of Parliament sitting in the House of Commons.

Making laws

When the government proposes a new law to Parliament, it is called a bill. MPs and senators have several opportunities to debate each new bill in the House of Commons and the Senate. Then the MPs and senators vote on the bill. To become law, a bill must be approved by majorities in both the House of Commons and the Senate. Once a majority of MPs and senators have approved a bill, the Governor General gives final approval and the bill becomes law.