GOVERNMENT IN CANADA
How and when are elections held?
By law, federal and provincial elections must be held at
least every five years, although they can be called earlier.
If a minority government has a bill defeated in the House
of Commons, an election must take place. In all cases, the
decision to call an election is taken by the Prime Minister.
All voting is by secret ballot.
At the local levels of government, elections are usually
held every two or three years.
Who can vote?
To vote in a federal election, you must be a Canadian citizen
and at least 18 years old. For provincial or municipal elections,
the age and citizenship requirements may vary.
How is law enforced?
All individuals and organizations in Canada, including Parliament,
are bound by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
All individuals and organizations are also bound by the laws
of Parliament. Law enforcement agencies throughout the country,
including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, have the responsibility
of ensuring universal compliance with the laws of Parliament.
How is the Canadian legal system constituted?
Canada has an independent judiciary, with numerous levels
of courts including the federal courts at the federal level
and superior courts, county courts, provincial courts, family
courts, juvenile courts and small-claims courts at the provincial
level.
There are two forms of law in the country: those that deal
with civil disputes and those that deal with criminal acts
and punishment.
The Supreme Court of Canada is the highest court in the land.
It interprets constitutional matters and defines the limits
of federal and provincial powers. There are nine Supreme Court
justices, three of whom are always from the province of Quebec.
What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is part of the
Constitution Act, 1982, and enshrines the basic principles
and values by which Canadians live and govern themselves.
It also defines and guarantees personal rights and fundamental
freedoms including freedom of conscience and religion, freedom
of thought, belief, opinion and expression, freedom of peaceful
assembly and freedom of association.
What is official bilingualism?
Official bilingualism allows all Canadians to communicate
with the federal government, especially the courts and Parliament,
in either English or French.
What is a multicultural society?
Canada is comprised of people from different national and
ethnic backgrounds. Canadians celebrate this diversity. Canadian
society actively encourages people to practise their customs
and traditions, provided that they are in accordance with
Canadian law.
How do Canadians view government?
Canadians are proud of their democracy, and see government
as a body responsible to them. Canadians value principles
of fair and equal access and the open exchange of ideas. Bribery
and corruption at any level of government are not tolerated.
The majority of Canadians vote regularly in government elections,
and, indeed, see voting as a responsibility in a democratic
society.
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