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| PM Stephen Harper visits US President Obama |
Canada is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. We are a former British colony, now part of the Commonwealth.
We are also a federal state. Legislative powers are divided according to the Constitution between the national (federal) government and our 10 provinces (as well as three territories, which receive greater oversight from the federal government). There is also a third level of government – municipal (cities and towns).
Canada: federal government
- About Canadian government
The Parliament of Canada website provides an excellent, easy-to-understand explanation of Canada's system of government, from Parliament through the provinces to municipalities.
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| Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean |
- Queen of Canada
The Queen is our head of state. The Queen abides by the decisions of the Canadian government, but plays important ceremonial and symbolic roles.
- Governor General
Her Excellency the Right Hon. Michaëlle Jean has been Governor General since 2005. The Governor General is the Queen's representative in Canada.
- Prime minister
The prime minister is the leader of the political party that elects the most members of Parliament.
Manitoba: provincial government
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| Manitoba Legislative Building |
- Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
The legislative arm of the Manitoba government consists of the 57 members elected to represent the people of the province.
- Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
The Lieutenant Governor serves as the Queen's representative in the province. The Hon. Philip Lee was appointed to the position in 2009.
- Manitoba government departments
Departments administer areas of interest such as labour and immigration. An elected minister oversees the work of civil servants working in the departments.
Municipal government
