Similar to the American system of government, Canada has three levels of government: federal, provincial and municipal (counties). In the United States, the three levels are federal, state and local (counties). However, the US is a collection of republics under the United States, while the Canadian system is more central, with limited powers granted to the ten provinces and, within the provinces, municipalities or counties.
At the same time, both countries have three branches: legislative, executive and judicial.
Unlike the USA, Canada does not elect a wide range of officials, such as judges, attorneys generals, sheriffs, and so on. Our elections are limited to government, such as Members of Parliament, Members of provincial legislatures, municipal mayors, reeves, and councillors. Additionally, local school boards, under the control of the provinces, elect school trustees.
Our Canadian Prime Minister and provincial Premiers are not elected separately, but are the heads of the political parties that garner control (minority or majority) of the seats for the House of Commons or provincial legislatures.
We also have several territories, located in the norther part of Canada, which have their own governments that operate similarly to each province, but do not have all the legal status and capacity of the provinces.
Within the past fifty years, Canada has recognized the province of Quebec as being a distinct society, and the indigenous First Nations as a founding nation. The Metis in western Canada recently, as well, have been recognized by the Supreme Court as having nationhood rights.
Many provinces and Ottawa (federal government) have election dates established that may be altered under special circumstances, such as in the case of a party in power or coalition being defeated on a vote of non-confidence, or in special, emergent situations. Americans have dates that are carved in stone for their elections.
Nonetheless, both countries have active political campaigns that offer grassroots citizens the chance to take part in selecting their party’s candidate for office, or allow citizens to run for office independently.
Again, Canadians diverge from Americans on selection of judges. Whereas the US elects lower level judges and higher court judges are put forth for approval by the party in power, none of Canada’s judges are elected. Rather, a bipartisan body recommends a list of judicial candidates, which are then approved by government. Supreme Court judges must retire by age 75 in Canada, while American supreme court justices may serve well into their eighties and nineties, if they choose.
All law enforcement is hired by municipal, provincial (e.g. OPP) or federal authorities (e.g. RCMP), but all operate under the requirements or rules of the King’s Bench Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.
Crown prosecutors are hired by the government that oversees the operations of the courts, rather than being elected. Unlike the US, prisons are provincial or federal responsibilities and are not for-profit, nor private.
We will be posting regular articles on our system of government, with specific information on municipal, school board, community advisory groups and provincial government.. Click below or follow the menu links.
As well, we will be including short stories that illustrate our government in action.
Governance Municipal & provincial relations Association of Manitoba Municipalities School Divisions & School Boards
Click on the link below, for example, for a humourous look at how political yard signs are used in an election.