Canadian System of Government
majority government
If the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons, this is called a majority government.
minority government
If the party in power holds less than half of the seats in the House of Commons, this is called a minority government.
confidence
When the House of Commons votes on a major issue such as the budget, this is considered a matter of confidence. If a majority of the members of the House of Commons vote against a major government decision, the party in power is defeated, which usually results in the Prime Minister asking the Governor General, on behalf of the Sovereign, to call an election.
VOTING
You are eligible to vote in a federal election or cast a ballot in a federal referendum if you are: • a Canadian citizen; and • at least 18 years old on voting day; and • on the voters' list.
Senators
are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75.
VOTING PROCEDURES
1. Voter information card; 2. I did not get a card; 3. Advance poll and special ballot; 4. On election day; 5. Marking the ballot; 6. Voting is secret; 7. The ballot box; 8. The election results
electoral districts
Canada is divided into 308 electoral districts, also known as ridings or constituencies. An electoral district is a geographical area represented by a member of Parliament (MP).
CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY
Canada's Head of State is a hereditary Sovereign (Queen or King), who reigns in accordance with the Constitution: the rule of law.
candidates
Canadian citizens who are 18 years old or older may run in a federal election. The people who run for office are called candidates.
Federal Elections
Canadians vote in elections for the people they want to represent them in the House of Commons. federal elections must be held on the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent general election. The Prime Minister may ask the Governor General to call an earlier election.
Lieutenant Governor
In each of the ten provinces, the Sovereign is represented by the Lieutenant Governor, who is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister, also normally for five years.
Premier
In each province, the Premier has a role similar to that of the Prime Minister in the federal government
Commissioner
In the three territories, the Commissioner represents the federal government and plays a ceremonial role.
The right and responsibility to vote
It is important for Canadians aged 18 or more to participate in their democracy by voting in federal, provincial or territorial and municipal elections.
"by-laws"
Municipal governments usually have a council that passes laws called "by-laws" that affect only the local community. The council usually includes a mayor (or a reeve) and councillors or aldermen.
local or municipal government
Municipalities are normally responsible for urban or regional planning, streets and roads, sanitation (such as garbage removal), snow removal, firefighting, ambulance and other emergency services, recreation facilities, public transit and some local health and social services. Most major urban centres have municipal police forces.
Bills
No bill can become law in Canada until it has been passed by both chambers and has received royal assent, granted by the Governor General on behalf of the Sovereign.
HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW - THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
STEP 1 First Reading - The bill is considered read for the first time and is printed. STEP 2 Second Reading - Members debate the bill's principle. STEP 3 Committee Stage - Committee members study the bill clause by clause. STEP 4 Report Stage - Members can make other amendments. STEP 5 Third Reading - Members debate and vote on the bill. STEP 6 Senate - The bill follows a similar process in the Senate. STEP 7 Royal Assent - The bill receives royal assent after being passed by both Houses.
the Cabinet
The Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers are called the Cabinet and they make important decisions about how the country is governed. They prepare the budget and propose most new laws.
The Sovereign
The Sovereign is a part of Parliament, playing an important, nonpartisan role. Her Majesty is a symbol of Canadian sovereignty, a guardian of constitutional freedoms, and a reflection of our history.
Governor General
The Sovereign is represented in Canada by the Governor General, who is appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for five years.
voter information card
The card lists when and where you vote and the number to call if you require an interpreter or other special services.
the Official Opposition or Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition
The opposition party with the most members of the House of Commons
Provincial government
The provinces are responsible for municipal government, education, health, natural resources, property and civil rights, and highways.
FEDERAL STATE
There are federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments in Canada. The responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments were defined in 1867 in the British North America Act, (Constitution Act, 1867).
First Nations
have band chiefs and councillors who have major responsibilities on First Nations reserves, including housing, schools and other services.
House of Commons
is the representative chamber, made up of members of Parliament elected by the people, traditionally every four years.
62 SECRET BALLOT
no one can watch you vote and no one should look at how you voted.
Canada's system of government
our country is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy
three branches of government
the Executive, Legislative and Judicial secure the rights and freedoms of Canadians.
Provincial legislatures
the Lieutenant Governor and the elected Assembly.
Cabinet
the Prime Minister selects the Cabinet ministers and is responsible for the operations and policy of the government.
Parliament
the Sovereign (Queen or King), the Senate and the House of Commons.
Federal government
the federal government takes responsibility for matters of national and international concern such as defence, foreign policy, interprovincial trade and communications, currency, navigation, criminal law and citizenship.
PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY
the people elect members to the House of Commons in Ottawa and to the provincial and territorial legislatures. Cabinet ministers are responsible to the elected representatives, which means they must retain the "confidence of the House" and have to resign if they are defeated in a nonconfidence vote.