Chapter One: Law-Making

Keep us Informed

facts

News Stories

just the facts

little, or no bias

perspectives through interviews and quotes

report on a single event

Updates: can link a series of stories

Indepth, Journalistic Stories

consider the events over time

great detail

often include research and background knowledge

advertising

eek to inform and persuade

paid for by a business or done as a "public service"

Stimulate Debate

Opinions

provide author's ideas

present a point-of-view or perspective

can be cartoons

can be columnists; paid to give opinions on a certain topic

can be letters to the editor; public's thoughts

blogs and social networking are gaining a role

Representation by Constituency

NOT Representation by Population in Canada

representation by region

citizens have input into government

freedom of speech

Run for Office

Advertise

lobby

hire a lobbyist

create a lobby group

vote

become involved

Elections

Members of Parliament

House of Commons

What is good about this bill?

consult with experts

consult with witnesses

consult with key groups

consult with constituents

Make laws that consider the majority opinion

me laws that consider the good of the country

Legislative Branch

creates the laws

Executive Branch

runs day-to-day business

puts laws into effect

proposes laws (bills)

Prime Minitster

elected by the Party as their leader

leader of the country

Appoint by Prime Minister

Senators * process under revisition

House of Senate

consult minority groups

Who might have been left out of the process in the House of Commons?

consult and represent regions

certain number of seats are guaranteed for each region

Territories 3

Newfoundland and Labrador 6

Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick 24

Quebec 24

Ontario24

BC, Alberta, Sask, Manitoba 24

"sober second thought"

check whether the proposed laws are in the best interetst of Canadians

Legislative Branch

creates the laws

nomination by Cabinet; review by committee

Appoint by the Queen

Governor General

highest lawmaker in Canada

David Johnson, 2010

Michaelle Jean, 2006 - 2009

final say on the passing of a bill(rubber stamp)

Executive Branch

Judicial Branch

applies the laws

interprets the laws

Supreme Court Judges

interpret the laws

ensure laws are applied fairly and justly

appointed by regions

Quebec 3

Ontario 3

BC, Alberta, Sask, Manitoba 2

NF, NS, NB, PEI 1