Study topic
The three levels of government
Canada divides public responsibilities across three levels of government. Knowing which level handles what is a frequent source of test questions.
Key facts to remember
- ◆ The federal government handles national defence, foreign policy, citizenship, and criminal law.
- ◆ Provincial and territorial governments handle education, health care, and highways.
- ◆ Municipal governments handle local services such as water, recycling, and policing.
- ◆ Each level is led by elected representatives.
- ◆ The federal Parliament sits in Ottawa, the capital of Canada.