How Canadians Govern Themselves: Study Notes

Canada’s system of government rests on three key facts: it is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. This chapter explains who is responsible for what and how laws are made.

Key facts to know

• There are federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments.
• The federal government handles matters of national and international concern: defence, foreign policy, interprovincial trade and communications, currency, navigation, criminal law and citizenship.
• Provinces are responsible for municipal government, education, health, natural resources, property and civil rights, and highways.
• The federal government and the provinces share responsibility for agriculture and immigration.
• Parliament has three parts: the Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons. Provincial legislatures consist of the Lieutenant Governor and an elected assembly.
• The Prime Minister selects the Cabinet ministers and is responsible for government operations and policy.
• Members of the House of Commons are elected, traditionally every four years. Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the Prime Minister’s advice and serve until age 75.
• A bill becomes law only after it passes both the House of Commons and the Senate and receives royal assent from the Governor General on behalf of the Sovereign.
• Cabinet ministers must keep the confidence of the House of Commons and must resign if defeated in a non-confidence vote.
• The three northern territories do not have the status of provinces, but their governments carry out many of the same functions.

These notes summarize the official Discover Canada guide in our own words. Always check the current edition of the guide on canada.ca. Discover Canada Prep is independent and not affiliated with IRCC.