Canadian Constitution including Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Constitution defines and limits power of the government.
The Charter protects basic rights and freedoms of all Canadians.
Treaty rights are recognized and declared in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982
The Governor General's main job is to give Royal Assent, which brings parliamentary bills into law. They are appointed by the The King.
Founding Peoples, Agreements, and Documents
At the Federal level the legislative branch is essentially the Parliament. The Federal government manages things like foreign affairs, immigration and citizenship, national defense and currency.
The Federal government has the power to make laws.
Is the meeting place of the federal government. The House of Commons is a democratically elected body whose members are known as members of Parliament (MP).
Federal level
Stress Point: Alberta's Sovereignty Act allows province to ignore federal laws in matters of harmful laws and policies. This creates dispute between Alberta's provincial government and the federal government.
Provincial level
At the provincial level the legislative branch includes the Legislative Assembly of elected representatives.
Provincial level
The Senate passes bills, reviews legislation, investigates issues and represents all of Canada, including minority groups.
The power of the municipal government is managed by the provincial government.
Upon lobbying citizens can also vote at the federal, provincial, territorial and municipal levels.
In a federal election you choose a Member of Parliament (MP) to represent you in Ottawa.
In a provincial/territorial election you elect a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
Municipal elections are held to elect mayors and councillors.
Federal elections are governed by laws such as Canada Elections Act to help keep the integrity of the election. Thus overtime Canadians have trusted that elections are fair which contributes to a long-lasting democracy. Elections are also free. Although the only way to vote in an election is to be a Canadian citizen.
The Municipal government is responsible for things like maintaining roads and bridges, water and sewer service and fire protection. The leader at the municipal level is the mayor and they oversee the well being of the city.
Part of The Executive Council is made up of elected Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) appointed as Cabinet Ministers by the Lieutenant Governor.
Treaties with Indigenous peoples
Treaties are agreements that were made between the British and Indigenous peoples over things like land, hunting rights and alliances. Now it is the responsibility of the Government of Canada to fulfill these treaties with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
British North America Act - Crown and Constitutional Monarchy
Municipal level
Free and fair elections
Stress Point: Voter turnout is decreasing.
Citizens
The British North America Act was a part of the Constitution. It divided Canada into Quebec and Ontario. It established a new federal government, a new parliament in Ottawa and provincial governments' legislatives. Moreover, the Act served as Canada's constitution until 1982.
The Crown / Governor General
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
The Judicial branch is represented by the courts, It rules on the legality of government laws if they are challenged and solves disputes between individuals. This branch is separate from the two because it can make decisions free of influence on challenged laws.
Senate
A bill can be introduced in either chamber. In both chambers there is debate of the bill and a vote to decide whether it should be studied further.
House of Commons
Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the head of the government in Canada. They control the governing party and speak for it.
The Prime Minister is the head of the Cabinet in Canada.
Cabinet
Free and independent press
Stress Point: Lobbying groups may donate to a particular political party to influence their vote which now turns lobbying into bribery.
Citizen Groups (advocacy/lobby groups)
As part of passing a bill to become law there are public hearings that are held. Here people can attempt to change the laws and influence bills in the democracy. Through lobbying individuals and groups articulate their interests to influence public policy and government decision-making.
Independent press provides Canadians with accurate information to hold governments to account with their actions. Non-governmental news organizations help provide in depth analysis of the government's actions.
The Supreme Court of Canada
This is the highest court in Canada meaning it has the final statement on important cases of law.
The Cabinet is appointed by the Governor General with advice from the Prime Minister. The Cabinet is the decision-making forum in the Canadian government.
The Executive Branch has the decision-making power.
Judges are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The governor general acts on the advice of the head of government (Prime Minister), Justin Trudeau.
Royal Assent must be granted from the Governor General in order for bills to be laws.
The legislative branch passes laws and the executive branch implements them.
Stress Point: In an election a party can win the majority of seats in Parliament without receiving the majority of the votes. When this happens, the opposition parties, cannot get enough votes in the house to prevent the ruling party from doing what it wants, causing a lack of power distribution.
Rule of Law helps treat all persons fairly and equally.