Settling in Canada
Government
Canada has three levels of government:
- federal
- provincial or territorial
- municipal (city)
Federal government
The Prime Minister heads the federal government based in Ottawa. It deals with national and international matters, such as:
- taxes
- money
- banking
- shipping
- railways
- pipelines
- telephones
- criminal law
- foreign affairs
- national defence
- employment insurance
- Aboriginal lands and rights
Provincial and territorial governments
A Premier leads each province and territory.
The provincial and territorial governments have the power to change their laws and manage their own public lands. They are in charge of:
- education
- health care
- road regulations
Municipal (City) governments
Mayors lead municipal governments.
Municipal governments run cities, towns or districts (municipalities). They are in charge of things, such as:
- parks
- parking
- libraries
- roadways
- local police
- local land use
- fire protection
- public transportation
- community water systems
First Nations governance
Across the country, band councils govern First Nations communities. Band councils are similar to municipal governments. Band members elect the band council, which makes decisions that affect their local community.
Parliamentary democracy
Parliament has three parts:
- the Sovereign (Queen or King)
- the Senate
- the House of Commons
Canadian citizens elect political representatives at all three levels of government:
- federal
- provincial or territorial
- municipal
Elected representatives hold positions in:
- city councils
- the federal House of Commons
- provincial and territorial legislatures
Their duties include:
- passing laws
- approving and monitoring spending
- keeping the government accountable
Constitutional monarchy
Canada is a constitutional monarchy. This means:
- the Queen or King of Canada is the head of state
- the Prime Minister is the head of government
The Governor General represents the Queen in Canada. The Sovereign appoints the Governor General on the Prime Minister’s advice. The appointment is usually for five years.
In each of the ten provinces, the Sovereign is represented by the Lieutenant-Governor. They are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. The appointment is also normally for five years.
Discover Canada has more information on democracy and government in Canada.