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Difference between revisions of "Fundamentals of Canadian Law"
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==The rule of law== | ==The rule of law== | ||
The rule of law means that we recognize and accept that we need laws to | The rule of law means that we recognize and accept that we need laws to ''regulate'' society. We must find a way to live together peacefully. Laws exist to help us do this. | ||
The rule of law is a fundamental principle of Canadian democracy. The Charter states that the rule of law is one of the principles upon which Canada was founded. | The rule of law is a fundamental principle of Canadian democracy. The Charter states that the rule of law is one of the principles upon which Canada was founded. | ||
The rule of law means that the law applies equally to everyone. No one is above the law. Our | The rule of law means that the law applies equally to everyone. No one is above the law. Our ''politicians'', police officers, and wealthy individuals must all obey the law. | ||
Under the rule of law, Canadians have a responsibility to respect the laws even if they disagree with them. This means you must obey a law even if you don’t like it. | Under the rule of law, Canadians have a responsibility to respect the laws even if they disagree with them. This means you must obey a law even if you don’t like it. | ||
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==Levels of government== | ==Levels of government== | ||
In Canada there are three levels of government: | In Canada there are three levels of government: ''federal'', ''provincial'', and ''municipal''. The Canadian constitution describes what the federal government is responsible for, and what the provincial governments are responsible for. The provincial governments can give some of their responsibilities to the municipalities. | ||
We have a federal government for the whole country. It is called the Government of Canada. The elected representatives of the federal government are Members of Parliament, often called MPs. They meet in Ottawa.The leader of the federal government is called the Prime Minister. | We have a federal government for the whole country. It is called the Government of Canada. The elected representatives of the federal government are Members of Parliament, often called MPs. They meet in Ottawa.The leader of the federal government is called the Prime Minister. | ||
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The Parliament in Ottawa has two sections: the House of Commons and the Senate. The House of Commons is where Members of Parliament debate and vote in <span class="noglossary">order</span> to make laws. The purpose of the Senate is to review proposed laws to make sure they are the best they can be. | The Parliament in Ottawa has two sections: the House of Commons and the Senate. The House of Commons is where Members of Parliament debate and vote in <span class="noglossary">order</span> to make laws. The purpose of the Senate is to review proposed laws to make sure they are the best they can be. | ||
British | British Columbia, like other provinces, has a provincial government. In BC the elected ''representatives'' of the provincial government are Members of the ''Legislative Assembly'', often called MLAs. They meet at the legislature in Victoria. The leader of the provincial government is called the Premier. | ||
We also have local government in our cities and towns. The elected representatives are called councilors. They meet at City Hall or Town Hall. The leader of the municipal government is called the Mayor. | We also have local government in our cities and towns. The elected representatives are called councilors. They meet at City Hall or Town Hall. The leader of the municipal government is called the Mayor. | ||
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===Each level of government has different responsibilities=== | ===Each level of government has different responsibilities=== | ||
The federal government has the power to make laws that affect the whole country. Examples are citizenship and immigration laws and criminal laws. Provincial governments, such as the Province of British Columbia have the power to make laws that apply only in that province. Examples are landlord and tenant laws, and laws about employment. Municipalities, cities and towns have the power to make local laws about such things as streets, parking, and noise. The laws for municipalities, cities and towns are called | The federal government has the power to make laws that affect the whole country. Examples are citizenship and immigration laws and criminal laws. Provincial governments, such as the Province of British Columbia have the power to make laws that apply only in that province. Examples are landlord and tenant laws, and laws about employment. Municipalities, cities and towns have the power to make local laws about such things as streets, parking, and noise. The laws for municipalities, cities and towns are called ''bylaws''. | ||
===Canada has a Queen=== | ===Canada has a Queen=== | ||
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Queen Elizabeth II, who lives in Britain, is the Queen of Canada. The elected representatives have the political power in Canada. The Queen’s role is symbolic. | Queen Elizabeth II, who lives in Britain, is the Queen of Canada. The elected representatives have the political power in Canada. The Queen’s role is symbolic. | ||
Canadians often say “The Queen” to | Canadians often say “The Queen” to mean the elected government of Canada and all of its laws. This is because the Queen and her representative in Canada, the Governor-General, are the symbolic head of Canada. | ||
All new Canadians promise to be loyal to the Queen and her laws. | All new Canadians promise to be loyal to the Queen and her laws. | ||