Government in Daily Life

• Many aspects of daily life involve government at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.

Government Involvement in Activities

• Public transportation is often managed and funded by municipal or provincial governments.
• Library development is supported by municipal and provincial grants, with occasional federal funding for large-scale projects.
• Public parks are managed and maintained by local governments, offering community spaces.
• Public education systems, including curriculum and funding, are primarily the responsibility of provincial governments.
• Food safety standards, trade agreements, and labeling laws are overseen by the federal government.

Responsibilities by Government Level

Federal/National Government:

• Defense: Manages the military and national security.
• Economy: Oversees taxes, trade, and currency.
• Immigration: Controls citizenship and border management policies.

State/Provincial Government:

• Education: Responsible for schools and universities.
• Transportation: Manages roads and public transit.
• Health & Safety: In charge of hospitals and emergency services.

Local/Municipal Government:

• Sanitation: Handles trash and waste management services.
• Recreation: Manages local parks and community centers.
• Law Enforcement: Provides police, fire services, and zoning regulations.

Impact of Government Levels

• Local government likely has a substantial impact on daily life.
• Waste Management & Water Supply: Essential municipal services that prevent health risks.
• Public Safety: Local police, firefighters, and emergency responders provide crucial safety.
• Infrastructure & Public Spaces: Local governments manage road conditions, parks, and libraries.

Education Jurisdiction

• Education should remain under provincial control, because a national system might not address regional cultural, economic, and social needs effectively.
• Provincial management allows for flexibility with teaching methods without federal restrictions.
• Local governments can respond efficiently to educational challenges without national policy delays.

Key Figures in Canadian Government

• In Canada, the head of state is the King, represented by the Governor General.
• In Canada, the head of Government is the Prime Minister.
• The executive branch includes the Head of Government, Cabinet Ministers, and Government Agencies.
• This branch enforces laws and makes key decisions.
• The legislative branch includes Parliament or Congress with Senators, Representatives, or Members of Parliament, and creates, debates, and passes laws while overseeing the executive.

Governor General

• Appointed by the King on the Prime Minister's advice, typically for a five-year term.
• The Governor General represents the King in Canada.
• Signs bills into law after Parliament's approval
• Can dissolve Parliament and call federal elections upon the Prime Minister’s request.

Prime Minister

• Must be the leader of a political party, win the most seats in a federal election, and be appointed by the Governor General.
• The Prime Minister heads federal the government and makes major policy decisions.
• Appoints and leads Cabinet Ministers for government departments.
• Represents Canada internationally by meeting with leaders and managing foreign relations.

Cabinet

• A group of high-ranking officials is responsible for different government departments that helps run the country.
• The Prime Minister selects Members of Parliament or Senators to serve as ministers.
• The Governor General approves ministers on the Prime Minister’s recommendation.
• Ministers are chosen based on expertise and to reflect diversity across Canada.

Party/Cabinet Solidarity

• All Cabinet Ministers must publicly support government decisions to present a unified front, and ministers can resign if they strongly disagree.
• The solidarity maintains government stability and prevents chaos in decision-making as a divided cabinet could weaken the government and confuse the public.
• On major moral or ethical issues, ministers should have flexibility to vote based on personal values.

Members of Parliament (MPs)

• Elected representatives in the House of Commons help shape national laws and policies.
• MPs are elected by the public during federal elections.
• As of 2024, Canada has 338 MPs.
• MPs represent their riding/electroral district in Parliament and address local concerns.
• MPs debate and vote on laws and assist with federal servics.

Constituencies/Ridings

• A constituency/riding is a geographic area that elects one Member of Parliament (MP) to represent its people in the House of Commons.
• Constituencies are redrawn to keep representation fair and up to date with population changes.
• Boundaries are adjusted to ensure equal representation as cities grow and rural areas shrink.

Types of Government

• A majority government occurs when a party holds 170+ seats in the House of Commons; a minority government requires forming alliances to pass laws.
• Majority governments are stable and can pass laws efficiently but may lack diverse views and accountability.
• Minority governments promote collaboration and accountability but are unstable and slower in decision-making.

Votes of Non-Confidence

• Parliament expresses a lack of support for the government, which may occur on budget bills, major legislation, or formal motions.
• The Prime Minister resigns or an election occurs should a vote of non-confidence pass.

Senate

• The Senate reviews legislation from the House of Commons to ensure fairness.
• The Senate represents regions and protects minority interests.
• Canada has 105 senators appointed by the Governor General on the Prime Minister’s advice, serving until age 75.

How a Bill Becomes Law

• Introduction: An MP or Senator introduces the bill.
• First Reading: The bill is introduced and its title is read.
• Second Reading: MPs or Senators debate the bill's principles.
• Committee Stage: A committee examines the bill and can make amendments.
• Report Stage: The committee reports changes to the House.
• Third Reading: The final version is debated and voted.
• Senate Consideration: The Senate goes through the same stages if the bill starts in the House.
• Royal Assent: The Governor General approves the bill, making it law.

King's Representative at the Provincial Level

• The Lieutenant Governor represents the King in each province, performing ceremonial duties.
• Opens and closes legislative sessions, delivering the throne speech.
• Gives royal assent to bills passed by the provincial legislature, making them law.
• Appoints the Premier, inviting the party leader with the most seats to form government.

Provincial Government Structure Facts

• Provincial governments do not have an upper house or Senate and provinces have a unicameral legislature.

Government Leaders

• The Premier leads the government at the provincial level.
• Mayors or Reeves are used in some rural areas or townships.
• Municipal leaders oversee local government policies and services.

Getting Politicians/Governments to Listen

• Grassroots Movements & Advocacy: Organize protests and petitions to show widespread support. Use social media and community meetings to raise awareness.
• Building Strong Coalitions: Align with diverse groups to increase influence and draw attention to an issue.
• Engage in Direct Communication: Write letters, call officials, or schedule meetings to make the issue urgent and personal.
• Utilizing Media & Social Media: Get media coverage and create viral content related to the issue to generate buzz.
• Show the Economic or Social Impact: Provide data and real-life stories showing how the issue affects communities.
• Mobilizing Voters: Educate and encourage supporters to vote for candidates aligned with the issue.
• Appealing to Emotions, Not Just Logic: Share personal stories to create empathy and a sense of urgency.