Provincial Governments

The structure of Canada’s federal government is very similar to each of the provincial
governments. Each provincial government is designed to be like a smaller version of the federal
government.
Answer the following questions using the scanned information provided in the file: Civics
Provincial Government Questions.
1. What is the title given to the leader of the party in power in each of the provinces?
The title given to the leader of the party in power in each of the provinces is Premier.
2. What does this person do?

The Premier is the chief minister and spokesperson of the provincial government. They advise
the lieutenant governor on whom to appoint to the cabinet, and they guide legislation.

3. What is meant by reference to the “Crown”?

This is in reference to the British Monarchy.
4. How is the Crown represented in each province?

The Crown is represented by a lieutenant governor.

5. How does this person get this job?

They are appointed by governor generals on the advice of the premier.

6. What are some of his/her duties?

The duties of the lieutenant governor are similar to the governor general, but on a smaller scale.
Their duties include visits around the province, opening the provincial legislature, swearing in
cabinet ministries, signing bills, and calling elections on the advice of the premier.
7. How are members of the provincial legislature chosen?
Members of the provincial legislature are elected in the same manner as the federal government.
8. What two titles are they given?
They can be called MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly), or MPPs (Members of
Provincial Parliament).

9. How are territorial governments different from the provinces?

Territorial governments are run by consensus, and members do not belong to a political party.
Issues and bills are debated and passed with the agreement of all members.
 10. Give two examples of a provincial responsibility. Why do the provinces insist on
maintaining provincial control?

Provinces are responsible for things like education and infrastructure. They insist on
resisting any federal interference because they believe these things should be tailored to
their specific province. For example, provinces believe education not only enables the
young to learn basic skills, but also allows them to learn about their provincial culture.
This results in different curriculums and diploma requirements across the nation that
would not have been achieved through the federal government.

11. How does the federal government assist the provinces financially?
The federal government provides transfer payments for things like healthcare and infrastructure.
12. How can one province help another province financially?
The federal government has administered equalization between provinces where wealthier
provinces contribute to the others by paying a larger share of taxes to Ottawa.
13. Give an example of how a province believed the federal government was not financially
helpful by answering the following questions:

a. Who? The Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

b. What? The Premier stormed out of a meeting with the Prime Minister
c. When? December of 2004
d. Why? The Premier felt the federal government was not granting a large enough
share to the province and was limiting its ability to raise the standard of living for
its residents.
e. Implications – The premier ordered all provincial buildings take down the
Canadian flag in protest.
f. Results – The protest created a large controversy, but ultimately ended with both
sides agreeing to meet in 2005, and a deal was made.