Canada is a federation. Federal system of government means that powers and
responsibilities are divided between the federal government and the ten Canadian
provincial governments. Generally, the federal government is responsible for
matters that affect all of Canada.
These
matters include national defence, foreign policy, and citizenship. Provincial
and territorial governments look after education, health care, and highways.
They share responsibilities with the federal government in some areas, such
as protecting the environment. There is a third level of government at the
community level: municipal government - responsible for local matters (i.e.,
policing, firefighting, snow removal, recycling programs etc.). Canadian citizens
can vote in elections for all three levels of government.
