Canada is a federation of ten provinces and three territories. The country is governed by a democratic parliamentary system, based on the British model.
Parties
At the federal level, the major political parties include: the Conservative Party of Canada, the Liberal Party of Canada, the New Democratic Party of Canada and the Bloc Québécois. In Atlantic Canada, these parties, except the Bloc Québécois, represent the major provincial parties of the region.
Elected Officials
Elected officials at the federal level are known as Members of Parliament (MPs). The head of the party that wins the majority of seats in a federal election becomes the Prime Minister of Canada.
Provincially, individuals are elected as members of their provincial legislative assemblies and are generally known as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The head of the party with the most elected officials in each province or territory is called the Premier.
Elections at both the federal and provincial/territorial levels must be held within five years of the previous election.
Responsibilities and Powers
Federal and provincial governments split certain responsibilities and powers. For example, national defence, immigration and foreign policy fall under federal responsibilities, while education and health care are the responsibilities of the individual provinces and territories.
At the municipal level, government is controlled by individuals who are elected to a municipal council. Referred to as Councillors, these officials are responsible for local by-laws and infrastructure in their communities.
All three levels of government work together to support the business community in their respective regions. In Atlantic Canada, federal, provincial and municipal stakeholders actively strive to ensure the greatest ease for businesses to establish and grow in their communities.