British North America Act

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Judicial Branch

• Responsible for interpreting and applying laws to resolve legal disputes
• Plays a critical role in upholding the Constitution and protecting individual rights and liberties
• Provides a forum for individuals and organizations to resolve disputes and seek justice

Supreme Court

• The Supreme Court serves as the highest judicial authority
• Acts as the final arbiter of the law, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the interpretation and application of legal principles
• Has the authority to review and overturn decisions made by lower courts.
• Supreme Court decisions establish legal precedents that guide future rulings.

Tax Court

• The primary role of the Tax Court is to resolve disputes between taxpayers and tax authorities regarding the interpretation and application of tax laws
• Reviews cases related to various tax matters, including income tax, corporate tax, sales tax, and other tax-related issues
• Provides an independent and impartial venue for taxpayers to resolve disputes, promoting transparency and accountability in the tax system

Provincial Court

• Handles a wide range of cases related to provincial laws and regulations
• Provides a forum for individuals and organizations to resolve legal disputes within the jurisdiction of the specific province
• Also handles initial court appearances, bail hearings, and preliminary matters in criminal cases

Federal Court

• It hears cases involving federal legislation, regulations, and disputes involving the federal government
• Plays a crucial role in judicial review; reviews decisions made by federal administrative bodies and agencies to ensure they are lawful, reasonable, and compliant with federal laws and regulations
• Acts as a forum for resolving disputes involving the federal government as a party

Both Cabinet and Privy Council provide: - policy advice - expertise, and support - contribute to decision-making - shape the priorities and direction of the PM's leadership.

House of Commons and Senate contribute to : - debates - decision-making - shaping the agenda of the overall parliamentary proceedings.

British North America Act

• Enacted by the Parliament of the United Kingdom in 1876
• Union of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and the Government thereof
• Sets the framework for the operation of the Government of Canada and defines the following:
• Federal Structure
• House of Commons of Canada
• The Senate
• The Justice System
• The Taxation System

Canadian Democracy

The Crown and Constitutional Monarchy

• Abstract concept or symbol that represents the state and its government
• Non-partisan sovereign authority. It is part of the legislative, executive and judicial powers that govern the country
• Constitutional monarch, in contrast, is limited by the laws of the Constitution
• Do not directly rule; carry out constitutional, ceremonial and representational duties
• Currently Charles III is the head of the monarch

Governor General

• Duties are carried out by the governor general, who acts as the representative of the Crown — currently Mary Simon — in Canada
• Figurehead of the Crown and Constitutional Monarchy
• Uphold the traditions of Parliament and other democratic institutions
• Ceremonial position and holds no democratic power

Federal Government

• Responsible for areas of national interest such as immigration, defence and trade with other countries
• The term can refer narrowly to the Canadian Cabinet, or more broadly to the Cabinet and the public service
• The type of government is above the Provincial and Municipal government

Executive Branch

• Responsible for the administration and governance of a country or jurisdiction
• Responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and policies enacted by the legislative branch
• Involves various government agencies, departments, and ministries responsible for specific areas of governance
• Represents the country in international relations, negotiates treaties and agreements, maintains diplomatic relationships with other nations, and participates in international organizations
• Headed by PM

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Prime Minister

• Serves as the head of the executive branch of the Canadian government; provides overall leadership and direction to the government and its various departments and agencies
• Work with cabinet members and advisors to develop policy proposals, set priorities, and make decisions on various issues affecting the country
• Appoints and manages the cabinet
• Represents Canada domestically and internationally; serve as the chief spokesperson for the government, communicating its policies, initiatives, and decisions to the public

Privy Council Office

• Serves as the central agency that provides non-partisan advice and support to the Prime Minister
• Assists the Prime Minister in policy development, decision-making, and coordination of government activities
• Supports the functioning of the Cabinet by coordinating cabinet meetings, preparing agendas, and providing administrative support
• Also supports the implementation of government priorities and initiatives across various departments and agencies, promoting efficiency and effective delivery of services
• Fosters interdepartmental coordination and collaboration, facilitating communication and cooperation among different government departments and agencies

Cabinet

• A group of senior government ministers selected by the Prime Minister
• The primary role is to assist the Prime Minister in developing and implementing government policies
• Provide leadership, set departmental priorities, and ensure the effective administration of government programs and services
• Operates on the principle of collective responsibility, which means that all cabinet members are collectively accountable for government decisions and actions
• Serve as representatives of the government and liaise with various stakeholders, including interest groups, businesses, and the public

Ministries & Civil Services

Legislative Branch

• Responsible for making laws
• Consists of elected representatives who propose, debate, and vote on legislation
• Elected representatives act as the voice of the citizens they represent, advocating for their needs, opinions, and values
• Serves as a counterweight to the executive branch, ensuring that the government's powers are not concentrated in one authority
• Reviews and approves the government's budget proposals, ensuring that public funds are allocated appropriately and in accordance with the priorities of the country

Parliament

Senate

• Has the role of reviewing and scrutinizing legislation proposed by the House of Commons
• Senators carefully examine bills, offer amendments, and provide a second look at proposed laws to ensure their quality, effectiveness, and adherence to constitutional principles
• Appointed to represent specific regions or provinces, bringing their regional expertise and perspectives to parliamentary discussions
• The Senate acts as a "sober second thought" on legislation, providing an independent and objective evaluation of proposed laws
• Conducts studies, inquiries, and investigations on various matters of public policy

House of Commons

• One of the two houses of the Parliament of Canada and is responsible for making laws at the federal level
• Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons propose, debate, and vote on legislation; represent their constituents and contribute to the development and passage of laws that impact the entire country
• Elected by the public through general elections and act as the voice of their constituents
• Plays a vital role in government formation and accountability

Provincial Government

• The provincial government is responsible for issues that affect the province as a whole
• Includes education, health care, the environment, agriculture and highways
• Is placed above the Municipal government

Legislative Assembly

• The primary role of the Legislative Assembly is to make laws
• Elected representatives, also known as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) or Members of Parliament (MPs), propose, debate, and vote on legislation
• Represents the interests and concerns of the constituents it serves; MPs act as the voice of the people, advocating for their constituents' needs, aspirations, and concerns
• Exercises oversight and scrutiny over the executive branch of government
• Review and scrutinize the proposed budget, debate its allocations, and vote on its approval

Premier

• Serves as the head of the provincial or state government
• Responsible for leading the executive branch and overseeing the administration of the province/state
• Work with government ministers and departments to formulate policies, set priorities, and establish the direction for the province/state
• Act as the chief spokesperson for the government, communicating government policies, initiatives, and decisions to the public
• Responsible for making critical decisions, managing resources, and ensuring public safety and well-being
• The current premier of Ontario is Doug Ford

Municipal Government

• Responsible for providing many of the services within their local boundaries that you rely on daily,
• Includes strategic land use, subdivision and condominium approval, and maintenance of the local roads, including snow removal
• Is the lowest form of government; placed below the provincial government

City Council

• Responsible for creating, amending, and repealing local laws and ordinances that govern the city
• They establish priorities, set goals, and develop strategic plans to address the needs and interests of the community
• City councils act as representatives of the community they serve

Mayor

• Serves as the chief executive officer of the city
• Provide leadership and direction to the city's administration and oversee the implementation of policies and programs
• Act as the official spokesperson for the city and often serve as a liaison with other levels of government, community organizations, and business entities
• Work with city staff and the city council to develop the annual budget, allocate resources, and prioritize spending
• Currently, the Mayor of Brampton is Patrick Brown

Citizens

Free and Fair Elections

• Play a crucial role in ensuring that citizens have the opportunity to choose their representatives and leaders
• Foster accountability among elected officials
• The possibility of being voted out of office encourages responsible governance

Free and Independent Press

• Provides accurate and timely information to the public
• Investigates and reports on events, issues, and policies, enabling citizens to make informed decisions and participate in democratic processes
• Scrutinizes the actions of government officials, institutions, and other powerful entities
• Serves as a platform for diverse voices, allowing for open debates and discussions on various social, political, and economic matters

Citizens Groups (advocacy/lobby groups)

• Play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of individuals who share common interests or concerns
• These groups can have a significant influence on the development and implementation of policies
• Advocacy and lobby groups act as watchdogs, holding governments, corporations, and other powerful entities accountable for their actions
• By highlighting issues and seeking transparency and accountability, citizens groups contribute to a more accountable and responsive society

Treaties with Indigenous Peoples

• Provide a framework for living together and sharing the land Indigenous peoples traditionally occupied

• Included the following treaties:
• Treaties of Peace and Neutrality (1701-1760)
• Brought an end to more than 150 years of relations and alliances between France and the Aboriginal people of the St. Lawrence Valley
• Peace and Friendship Treaties (1725-1779)
• Regularised trade and assure a stable peace
• Upper Canada Land Surrenders and the Williams Treaties (1764-1862/1923)
• The agreements surrendered Indigenous lands to the colonial government for a variety of purposes, including settlement and development

Canadian Constitution / Charter of Rights

• It is the supreme law in Canada
• Outlines Canada's system of government and the civil and human rights of those who are citizens of Canada and non-citizens in Canada
• Sets out those rights and freedoms that Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society