Canada's Political System
2019 Link to Political Platforms
(Click Image to the right)
House of Commons Seating Plan - Click Here
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The Executive Branch
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Prime Minister - Justin Trudeau
Click the photo below to see current cabinet ministers
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The Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch includes the Govenor General, the Senate and the House of Commons
The Queen & the Governor General
House of Commons
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The Senate
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The Judicial Branch
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Video's worth checking out
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3.1 Government in Canada - Answer Key | |
File Size: | 40 kb |
File Type: | docx |
3.3 Investigating Government - Answer Key | |
File Size: | 45 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Getting Elected and Accountability
Members of Parliament (MPs) have two key responsibilities: to represent their constituents and to create legislation for the peace, order and good government of all Canadians. The structure of Canada's electoral system partly determines who represents Canadians in government. The 'Popular Vote' refers to the total support political parties win during an election, regardless of whether they win ridings. However, elections are won on the amount of ridings/constituencies a party wins. Each riding has a 'seat' in the House of Commons. There are 338 seats total. If a party wins 170 of these seats they are considered a 'majority government'. If they win less, a 'minority government'.
The number of ridings in a province is based on the population.
Province/Territory Federal Constituencies Ontario 121 Quebec 78 British Columbia 42 Alberta 34 Manitoba 14 Saskatchewan 14 Nova Scotia 11 New Brunswick 10 Newfoundland 7 Prince Edward Island 4 Northwest Territories 1 Nunavut 1 Yukon 1 Total 338 |
Do the numbers in the chart look fair? What are some advantages and disadvantages of an electoral system based on population? http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/results-2015/
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How a Bill becomes a Law
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In Canada, the Legislative Branch of the government passes laws. Remember, the Legislative Branch includes the House of Commons, the Senate, and the Governor General. At first just an idea, a law must be presented as a 'bill' to the House of Commons where it goes through a first reading without debate or change. Next, the bill enters a second reading at which point the ideas and merit behind the bill are debated. Here, the bill will be voted on and it will pass to the committee stage or not. Once at committee stage, a small group of Parliament Members work with citizens, stakeholders, and experts to make the final decision on any changes or amendments. The bill is then presented to the House of Commons during a third reading in which members of the House of Commons will vote on a finalized bill. The bill must then pass a similar test in the Senate where more recommendations or second thoughts will be provided. Once the bill has passed three House readings and a Senate approval, the bill is then given 'royal assent' by the Governor General.
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First Reading - Printed copies of the the bill are made available and there is no vote or debate.
Second Reading - Debate and vote on the principle of the Bill. Member's of Parliament (MP's) and Senators debate whether or not the bill serves the best interest of Canadians. Committee Stage - A committee of government members from all political parties review the bill with the help of experts and other citizens who would have a vested interest in the bill. Recommendations usually come from this committee and are accepted by Parliament. Report Stage - Debate and vote on changes (amendments) to the bill Third Reading - Debate and vote on the final form of the bill. Royal Assent - Signed off by Governor General |
The steps to making a bill - click here
Ways to Voice Your Views and Perspectives about the Law...
- Contact your MP, a Senator or a Cabinet Minister
- Campaign for a candidate during an election
- Organize a petition or rally on an issue that concerns you
Media and Lobbyist
The role of the media in relation to political issues is to inform people about the impact government is having on their lives. The media also provides Canadians with the opportunity to express their opinions and perspectives to each other and to the government on issues that affect them. But, the most important thing about the role of the media in the political process is to find the truth, to sort through credible sources with credible information. The media must also sort through the "spin" and the noise of the political parties to find the truth for the general public, so that they can make informed decisions.
What is a Lobbyist?
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Entire Chapter in 1 PowerPoint
chapter_1-canadas_federal_political_system_.pptx | |
File Size: | 2165 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Fake News
When you read something online... Ask yourself
Is it from a reliable source!?! Find out before you spread misinformation! |
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