Floating topic
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
