Canadian Political Structure

History of the Canadian Political Structure

Prior to 1982, only the British government had the power to amend Canada’s constitution, but since 1982, with the inclusion of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the Constitution, Canada has been empowered by its own constitution which established mechanisms for agreement between the federal government and the nine provinces with a view to reform. Despite these changes, Canada remained a constitutional monarchy, and the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, remained Queen of Canada.

Canadian Political Division

In Canada, there are three levels of government authorities that have different responsibilities:

  • Federal Government (Principal Government of Canada)
  • Provincial and territorial governments
  • Urban governments (local)

Federal Government of Canada

The federal government has the authority of overseeing general affairs and major decisions, such as foreign and military policy. These tasks include tackling crime and trafficking, budget, armed forces, health and agriculture, international trades, communications and environment. The formation of the federal government depends on the House of Commons, whose members are elected by the people. Thus, if a party can win 151 seats in the House of Commons, it can form the entire government. Otherwise, members of other parties are also used.

The prime minister has the most power in the Canadian government, with 25 ministers in the prime minister’s cabinet. The prime minister elects his ministers and they are nominated for the federal government. The federal government has a duty to regulate the budgets of the provinces, in which the rich provinces’ budgets are given to the poor provinces in order to establish equality. The Governor-General, elected by the Queen, also oversees the work of the House of Commons.

Provincial and Territorial Governments

Each province has a government that, like the federal government, is elected by the people. The leader of the province is called the governor and is also the representative of the queen. At the head of each province is an official named the Deputy Governor-General, who is elected by the Governor-General under the auspices of the Government of Canada. Each deputy will hold the post for up to five years after being appointed, unless there is a specific reason. Provincial governments do not have a Senate, and approval of provincial legislation by law requires the approval of the provincial assembly and governor. The responsibilities of provincial governments include education, social justice, agricultural services, health and immigration, social assistance and transportation. Some of these responsibilities are shared with the federal government.

Regional Authorities

Local governments have a simpler structure than federal and provincial governments and are elected to run municipalities, cities, and towns. These types of governments do not have the power to legislate and carry out orders set by other levels of government. Elected local government officials, such as mayors, councilors, associations, and school boards, do not formally represent political parties. Duties and responsibilities of local governments include: schools, police and fire brigades, treated water and sewage systems, recycling, public transportation.

Political Parties in Canada

The political party with the largest number of members of parliament forms the government and its leader is the prime minister. There are currently six political parties represented in the House of Commons. A party must be able to have 12 elected members to become official and qualify for certain conditions, such as budget.

The three official Canadian political parties are:

– The Liberal Party of Canada (the current majority party and government of Canada led by Justin Trudeau)

  • Conservative Party of Canada
  • New Democratic Party

Elections in Canada

Federal elections are held every 5 years. Provincial and municipal elections are also held every 4 years. To be eligible for federal, provincial, and municipal elections, individuals must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen
  • 18 years old or older
  • The names of the people should be registered as voter in the elections
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