How Canadians Govern Themselves

Key Facts about Canada's Government

Canada is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy, and a constitutional monarchy.

Federal responsibilities include defence, foreign policy, interprovincial trade, criminal law, and citizenship.

Provinces handle education, health, natural resources, and civil rights.

Federal and provincial governments share jurisdiction over agriculture and immigration.

Parliament has three parts: the Sovereign (Queen or King), the Senate, and the House of Commons.

The Prime Minister selects Cabinet ministers and leads the government.

The House of Commons is made up of members of Parliament (MPs) elected by citizens.

Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Bills must pass through First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, and Third Reading in the House of Commons.

The bill is then reviewed in the Senate and requires Royal Assent to become law.

Laws must be passed by both chambers: the House of Commons and the Senate.

Canada's Head of State is a hereditary Sovereign (Queen or King), represented in Canada by the Governor General.

Each province has a Lieutenant Governor who represents the Sovereign.

The Sovereign’s role is ceremonial and symbolic, focusing on citizenship and allegiance.

Canada’s system includes Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches working together.

Canada has federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal levels of government.

Municipal governments handle urban planning, sanitation, firefighting, and emergency services.

The First Nations have band chiefs and councils that manage reserve-related matters like housing and schools.

The Premier leads a province, similar to the role of the Prime Minister at the federal level.