Lesson 3 Three Levels of Government Three

Lesson 3: Three Levels of Government

Three Levels of Government • Canada is a very large country with many different needs and interests. • To meet these needs, government is structured into three levels: federal, provincial and municipal. • Each level has its own elected and appointed officials. • Each level is responsible for specific issues and for taking care of the people living in its region.

Federal (Canada) • The elected representative at the federal level is called a Member of Parliament (MP). • There are 308 elected MPs across the country. • MPs debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa (Parliament Hill). • The leader of the government is called the prime minister. • The Queen is represented by the Governor General.

Provincial (British Columbia) • The elected representative at the provincial level is called a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). • There are 85 elected MLAs across the province. • MLAs debate and pass laws in the British Columbia Parliament Buildings (Legislative Assembly) in Victoria. • The leader of the government is called the premier. • The Queen is represented by the Lieutenant Governor.

Municipal (Local) • The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor or alderman. • The size of the council differs from city to town. • Councillors debate and pass laws in the council chambers (city hall/municipal office). • The leader of the government is called a mayor or reeve.

Division of Responsibilities • Federal: National defence, international trade, foreign policy, money, health and safety, immigration and citizenship. • Provincial: Health care, education, welfare, transportation within the province, justice, energy and the environment. • Municipal: Waste management, water and sewer, policing and protection, cultural facilities and libraries.

The Government of B. C. • The Government of British Columbia is organized into different departments called ministries. • Each ministry handles one of the government’s responsibilities (e. g. , Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education). • The premier appoints an MLA to be in charge of each ministry. They are called a minister. • Each minister acts as an advisor to the premier and the Legislature in their specific area.

B. C. Ministries • Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation • Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology (responsible for multiculturalism) • Agriculture • Children and Family Development • Citizens’ Services and Open Government • Community, Sport and Cultural Development • Education • Energy, Mines and Natural Gas (responsible for housing) • Environment • Finance • Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations • Health • Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training (responsible for labour) • Justice and Attorney General • Social Development • Transportation and Infrastructure

Final Thoughts • How does government affect your life? • Which level of government affects your life the most? • Would you consider working in government? Why or why not?