Lesson 2 of 2 · 6 min read
Canada has federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal governments, each responsible for different areas of public life.
Canada divides governing responsibilities across three levels of government, each with its own role.
The federal government, based in Ottawa, handles matters that affect the whole country: national defence, foreign policy, criminal law, currency, and citizenship and immigration. It is made up of the Crown, the Senate, and the House of Commons.
The provinces are responsible for municipal government, education, health, natural resources, property and civil rights, and highways. The federal government and the provinces share responsibility for agriculture and immigration.
Every province has its own elected legislature. A provincial legislature is made up of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected Assembly. Its members are called MLAs, MNAs (Quebec), MPPs (Ontario) or MHAs, depending on the province. The Premier plays a role like the Prime Minister's, and the Lieutenant Governor a role like the Governor General's.
The three territories have small populations and are not provinces, but their governments and assemblies do many of the same jobs. In each territory, a Commissioner represents the federal government and plays a ceremonial role.
Municipalities usually have a council, made up of a mayor (or reeve) and councillors or aldermen, that passes by-laws affecting only the local community. They are normally responsible for planning, streets and roads, garbage and snow removal, firefighting, ambulance and emergency services, recreation, public transit and some local health and social services.
First Nations have band chiefs and councillors with major responsibilities on reserves, including housing, schools and other services.
At the federal level, Parliament consists of three parts working together: the King (represented by the Governor General), the elected House of Commons, and the appointed Senate. All three must agree, in different ways, for a bill to become law.
The Governor General is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister and gives Royal Assent to bills on the Sovereign's behalf. Senators are likewise appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister, and they serve until age 75. The people directly elect Members of Parliament to the House of Commons, whose job is to pass laws, approve and monitor government expenditure, and keep the government accountable.
Key facts
Canada's federal government is responsible for matters affecting the whole country, such as national defence, foreign policy, criminal law, and citizenship and immigration.
Provincial and territorial governments are responsible for areas such as education, health care, and highways.
Municipal governments are responsible for local matters such as roads, water, and firefighting.
Parliament is made up of the House of Commons (elected MPs) and the Senate (appointed Senators), together with the King.
Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75.
The people elect Members of Parliament to the House of Commons, which passes laws, approves and monitors government expenditure, and keeps the government accountable.
Answer all 3 to mark this lesson done.
1. Which level of government is responsible for national defence and immigration?
2. Which level of government is generally responsible for education and health care?
3. How are members of the Senate chosen?
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