Handout: Organization of the Canadian Government

• The parliamentary system of government is based on a British model dating back to 1215.
  
  
• In 1215 King John of England signed the Magna Carta which stated that a ruling monarch (King or Queen) could not overrule laws created by parliament.
  
  
• The constitution Act of 1867 created two levels of government: a federal (or national) government in Ottawa, Ontario, and provincial governments.
  
  
• Although Canada could make decisions independent of Great Britain, the British Crown still held the ultimate power.
  
  
• The British North America Act divided the government's responsibility and powers between the federal and provincial levels of government.
  
  
• Some responsibilities were shared.
  
  
• The federal government's responsibilities and powers included: foreign affairs, immigration, indirect taxation, defense, commerce and criminal justice.
  
  
• The province's responsibilities and powers included: education, health, social services, justice and prisons, and direct taxation.
  
  
• To provinces which cannot afford high standards for social services , the federal government provides extra money or " transfers of money" to ensure there are equal standards for all Canadians.
  
  
• The provincial leaders meet with the Prime Minister to discuss mutual concerns.
  
  
• In 1982 Canada gained its own Charter of Rights or Constitution which gave Canada the power to amend its own laws without permission from the British Parliament. 
  
  
• The Lieutenant-Governor is the Queen's official representative in Ontario.
  
  
• The Lieutenant-Governor signs all bills into law.