6: How Provincial Government Works Flashcards
What was promised by the federal government when Prince Edward Island joined Canada in 1873?
Continuous transportation
This promise was made to address the travel issues between PEI and the mainland.
What service was used for transportation between Prince Edward Island and the mainland before the fixed link?
Ferry service
Many Islanders became dissatisfied with this service over time.
What significant step did Premier Ghiz take regarding the fixed link proposal?
Held a referendum
This was an unusual step to gauge public opinion on the issue.
On what date did Islanders vote on the fixed link crossing?
January 18, 1988
This referendum allowed voters to express their views on the proposed crossing.
What percentage of eligible voters cast their ballots in the referendum about the fixed link?
65 percent
This indicates a notable level of public engagement despite some discontent.
What was the outcome of the referendum regarding the fixed link?
60 percent voted ‘Yes’ and 40 percent voted ‘No’
The majority favored building the fixed link despite some opposition.
When was the Confederation Bridge opened?
May 31, 1997
This bridge serves as the fixed link between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
What does a referendum allow eligible voters to do?
Vote on an issue or law proposed by the government
It represents a form of direct democracy similar to that of ancient Athens.
What geographical feature does the Confederation Bridge span?
Northumberland Strait
This strait separates Prince Edward Island from New Brunswick.
What is the approximate length of the fixed link?
129 kilometres
This measurement highlights the scale of the infrastructure project.
What are two key principles of democracy reflected in the provincial system of government?
Justice and equity
These principles are foundational to the functioning of a democratic government.
Why is it important to have candidates from a variety of political parties?
It contributes to democracy
A diversity of candidates allows for broader representation of public interests and opinions.
What is one reason why each province and territory in Canada needs its own government?
To address unique needs and issues of the province
Example: Alberta’s specific requirements compared to other provinces.
What is the role of Alberta’s provincial government?
To take care of the people of Alberta and protect their interests.
How does Alberta’s provincial government manage resources?
By managing wealth from oil and gas resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
Name three departments of the Alberta provincial government.
- Aboriginal Relations
- Agriculture and Food
- Health and Wellness
True or False: The provincial government operates in isolation from other levels of government.
False
The provincial government shares responsibilities with local and federal governments.
What is the approximate number of departments in the Alberta provincial government?
About 20 departments.
Fill in the blank: The provincial government collects _______ to pay for services it provides.
[taxes]
List two areas of service provided by the Alberta provincial government.
- Tourism and Parks
- Education
How do provincial government services promote equity in a democracy?
By providing services that cater to diverse populations and needs.
What was the total amount of expenses for the Province of Alberta in 2006-07?
$28.3 billion
What percentage of Alberta’s expenses was allocated to Health?
37%
What percentage of Alberta’s expenses was allocated to Education?
26.9%
What percentage of Alberta’s expenses was allocated to Social Services?
10.49%
What percentage of Alberta’s expenses was allocated to Agriculture, Resource Management and Economic Development?
6.5%
What percentage of Alberta’s expenses was allocated to Transportation, Utilities, and Communications?
7.29%
What is the percentage allocated to Debt Servicing Costs?
0.9%
Do you think any of these services should get more or less money? Explain.
What is a key feature of education for Grade 6 students in Alberta?
All students learn the same things and use the same textbooks
Who decides the curriculum and assessment for Grade 6 students in Alberta?
The Alberta department of education
What support does the Alberta department of education provide?
- Money to local school boards
- Support for students with special needs
- Certification for teachers
What are some examples of Alberta’s resources?
- Energy resources
- Oil
- Gas
How does the amount of provincial tax people pay relate to their income?
It is based on how much money they make
Why do all Alberta students learn from the same program of studies?
To ensure consistency in education across the province
What does a pie graph represent?
A visual representation of information where the circle represents 100 percent
What does each piece of a pie graph represent?
A percent of the whole
Which service on the pie chart does the Alberta government spend the most money on?
Health
What does the dark blue piece represent in a pie chart?
What are subsidies?
Funds that the government provides to those who need help to participate in a program.
What is the primary responsibility of the provincial government regarding health services in Alberta?
Providing health services to everyone in Alberta.
How does the government fund health services in Alberta?
Using tax money.
What do Albertans pay in addition to taxes for health services?
Health care insurance premiums or fees.
Who receives subsidies for health care in Alberta?
Seniors and people with low incomes.
What does it mean when the government pays part of a premium?
It provides subsidies to reduce the financial burden on eligible individuals.
How does paying subsidies relate to democratic values?
It fits in with the democratic values of fairness and equity.
What percentage of every dollar spent on health care in Alberta is used to encourage people to take care of their health?
One cent.
What type of campaign is mentioned as an example of health promotion in Alberta?
A television anti-smoking ad.
Fill in the blank: One cent of every dollar spent on health care in Alberta is used to _______.
[encourage people to take care of their health]
What are the elected representatives in the provincial government of Alberta called?
Members of the Legislative Assembly or MLAs
What must be obeyed by the people of the province?
Laws made by the MLAs
In what year did the Legislative Assembly pass a law requiring all Albertans under 18 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle?
2001
What is the fine for parents or guardians of anyone under age 18 who disobeys the helmet law?
$60
What is the first step in the process of a bill becoming a law?
MLA introduces a bill in the Legislative Assembly
What is the term for the initial introduction of a bill in the Legislative Assembly?
First reading
What opportunities do Members of the Legislative Assembly and the public have during the first reading?
Study the bill and provide opinions
What happens during the second reading of a bill?
MLAs debate the bill and vote on it
If a majority supports the bill during the second reading, where does it go next?
To a committee for further study and discussion
What happens during the third reading of a bill?
Members discuss and vote on the bill again
What must happen for a bill to become an act or law?
It must be signed by the Lieutenant Governor
What additional powers does local government have regarding bicycle helmet laws?
They can make additional laws on this matter
What city in Alberta was the first to pass a bylaw making bicycle helmets mandatory for all ages?
St. Albert
As of July 1, 2006, what is the fine for not wearing a helmet in St. Albert?
$100
What does the term ‘bill’ refer to?
A proposed, or suggested, law
Who is a Cabinet minister?
An elected representative in charge of a provincial government department
What is an act?
A bill that has been passed by the Legislative Assembly and signed by the Lieutenant Governor
True or False: The St. Albert bylaw on bicycle helmets applies to the entire province of Alberta.
False
Fill in the blank: An act is also known as a _______.
law
How do provincial laws support equality and justice?
What is a political party?
An organization made up of people who have similar ideas about how to govern.
Political parties play a crucial role in democratic governance by providing candidates and platforms for elections.
What are voting districts called?
Constituencies.
Constituencies are the geographic areas represented by elected officials in a legislative body.
What happens when a provincial election is called?
Election signs suddenly appear everywhere.
These signs typically include the candidate’s name and the political party they represent.
How many candidates are elected in Alberta’s Legislative Assembly?
One MLA is elected in each of Alberta’s 83 constituencies.
MLA stands for Member of the Legislative Assembly.
What types of candidates can run in Alberta’s elections?
Candidates can represent political parties or run as independents.
Independent candidates do not have party affiliation and campaign on their personal platforms.
What are some of the political parties in Alberta?
- Progressive Conservative
- Liberal
- New Democratic Party
- Alberta Alliance
- Other Parties
These parties represent a range of political ideologies and policies in Alberta.
What is the minimum time interval for holding provincial elections in Alberta?
At least once every five years.
This timeframe ensures regular opportunities for citizens to participate in the electoral process.
True or False: Election signs only represent candidates from political parties.
False.
There are also independent candidates who do not represent any political party.
Fill in the blank: Alberta is divided into different _______ for federal elections.
constituencies.
Constituencies define the electoral boundaries for representation.
What was the result of the 2004 Alberta Election in terms of the number of candidates elected?
62 candidates elected.
This number reflects the competitive nature of the election and the representation in the Legislative Assembly.
What percentage of votes was obtained by the party with the highest number of votes in the 2004 Alberta Election?
46.8%.
This percentage indicates the level of support for the winning party among voters.
What groups in society are represented on election signs?
Various political parties and independent candidates.
Election signs are a reflection of the diverse political landscape and voter choices.
Which party was in charge of the Alberta government for the next four years after the election?
Progressive Conservative Party
The Progressive Conservative Party had the majority of elected MLAs.
Who was the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party during the election?
Ralph Klein
Ralph Klein was re-elected as premier of Alberta.
What is the first step for a political party’s members to select a candidate before an election?
Nomination meeting
Members vote on their choice if several people wish to become the candidate.
What are the two conditions a candidate must fulfill to appear on the ballot for a provincial election?
- Be an eligible voter
- Get a form from Elections Alberta signed by at least 25 electors in their district
These requirements ensure that candidates are recognized by the electorate.
What is the primary goal of every candidate in the election?
To be elected by the voters of his or her constituency
Candidates must convince voters they are the best representative.
Fill in the blank: Candidates running for a political party must _______ to have their names appear on the ballot.
[meet certain conditions]
Why is the process of getting on the provincial election ballot an example of equality?
It allows most Albertans to run if they wish
This accessibility promotes democratic participation.
What might motivate someone to become an MLA despite the challenges of the job?
Desire to serve their community or make a difference
Individuals may find the role fulfilling despite its difficulties.
What do candidates discuss during the election campaign?
Their plans for the constituency and their party’s plans for the province
This helps voters understand the candidates’ platforms.
True or False: Independent candidates do not need to fulfill any conditions to appear on the ballot.
False
Independent candidates must also meet specific requirements.
List the political parties represented by the candidates mentioned:
- New Democratic Party
- Progressive Conservative Party
- Green Party
- Liberal Party
- Alliance Party
These parties were part of the electoral landscape in Alberta.
Which party was in charge of the Alberta government for the next four years after the election?
Progressive Conservative Party
The Progressive Conservative Party had the majority of elected MLAs.
Who was the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party during the election?
Ralph Klein
Ralph Klein was re-elected as premier of Alberta.
What is the first step for a political party’s members to select a candidate before an election?
Nomination meeting
Members vote on their choice if several people wish to become the candidate.
What are the two conditions a candidate must fulfill to appear on the ballot for a provincial election?
- Be an eligible voter
- Get a form from Elections Alberta signed by at least 25 electors in their district
These requirements ensure that candidates are recognized by the electorate.
What is the primary goal of every candidate in the election?
To be elected by the voters of his or her constituency
Candidates must convince voters they are the best representative.
Fill in the blank: Candidates running for a political party must _______ to have their names appear on the ballot.
[meet certain conditions]
Why is the process of getting on the provincial election ballot an example of equality?
It allows most Albertans to run if they wish
This accessibility promotes democratic participation.
What might motivate someone to become an MLA despite the challenges of the job?
Desire to serve their community or make a difference
Individuals may find the role fulfilling despite its difficulties.
What do candidates discuss during the election campaign?
Their plans for the constituency and their party’s plans for the province
This helps voters understand the candidates’ platforms.
True or False: Independent candidates do not need to fulfill any conditions to appear on the ballot.
False
Independent candidates must also meet specific requirements.
List the political parties represented by the candidates mentioned:
- New Democratic Party
- Progressive Conservative Party
- Green Party
- Liberal Party
- Alliance Party
These parties were part of the electoral landscape in Alberta.
What is the role of the Chief Electoral Officer in Alberta?
To ensure that the election is run fairly, according to the rules.
The Chief Electoral Officer is the head of Elections Alberta.
What are the eligibility requirements to vote in a provincial election in Alberta?
- Live in the constituency where they want to vote
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live in Alberta for six months before election day
These requirements ensure that voters have a legitimate stake in their local elections.
What is the first step a voter takes on election day?
Find the poll clerk and the deputy returning officer at the ballot box.
This typically occurs at the polling station.
What information does a voter receive before election day?
A voter information card that tells them where and when to vote.
This card is mailed to the voter prior to election day.
What does a voter do behind the voting screen?
Mark an X in the circle beside the name of the candidate they choose.
The voting screen ensures privacy in the voting process.
What does a voter need to present to the poll clerk?
Their voter information card, name, and address.
This is part of the verification process to ensure the voter is eligible.
What happens after the poll clerk verifies a voter’s name?
The poll clerk crosses off the voter’s name to show that they have voted.
This helps maintain an accurate record of participation in the election.
What is the purpose of the black tab on the ballot?
To keep the vote secret until the ballot is cast.
The tab is removed by the DRO before the ballot is placed in the ballot box.
True or False: A voter can be seen by others when they are marking their ballot.
False.
The voting screen ensures privacy.
Fill in the blank: Voters must live in Alberta for _______ before election day.
six months
This residency requirement is crucial for establishing a connection to the local electoral process.
What does DRO stand for?
Deputy Returning Officer
The DRO assists voters and manages the ballot process at the polling station.
What does a voter do after receiving their folded ballot?
Take it back to the DRO who tears off the black tab and then put it in the ballot box.
This final step completes the voting process.
What is a constitutional monarchy?
A system of government in which a monarch is the head of state
Who is the head of government in Canada?
The Prime Minister
What does the Speech from the Throne describe?
What the government plans to do during the upcoming session of the Legislature
What is the role of the Lieutenant Governor?
The Queen’s representative in Alberta’s government
How is a Lieutenant Governor appointed?
Recommended by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Governor General
What must happen for a bill to become law in a constitutional monarchy?
It must be signed by the Lieutenant Governor
List some duties of the Lieutenant Governor
- Inviting the leader of the winning party to become premier
- Issuing the Royal Proclamation to call the Legislature into session
- Reading the Speech from the Throne
- Dissolving the Legislative Assembly for elections
Who became Lieutenant Governor of Alberta on January 20, 2005?
The Honourable Norman L. Kwong
What historical significance does Norman L. Kwong hold?
First Canadian of Chinese ancestry to become Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
What sport did Norman L. Kwong play professionally?
Canadian Football League
True or False: The Lieutenant Governor can dissolve the Legislative Assembly.
True
Fill in the blank: The Lieutenant Governor must sign a bill passed by the Legislative Assembly for it to become _______.
law
What is the role of the Governor General in relation to the Queen?
The Queen’s representative in the federal government
What is a constitutional monarchy?
A system of government in which a monarch is the head of state
Who is the head of government in Canada?
The Prime Minister
What does the Speech from the Throne describe?
What the government plans to do during the upcoming session of the Legislature
What is the role of the Lieutenant Governor?
The Queen’s representative in Alberta’s government
How is a Lieutenant Governor appointed?
Recommended by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Governor General
What must happen for a bill to become law in a constitutional monarchy?
It must be signed by the Lieutenant Governor
List some duties of the Lieutenant Governor
- Inviting the leader of the winning party to become premier
- Issuing the Royal Proclamation to call the Legislature into session
- Reading the Speech from the Throne
- Dissolving the Legislative Assembly for elections
Who became Lieutenant Governor of Alberta on January 20, 2005?
The Honourable Norman L. Kwong
What historical significance does Norman L. Kwong hold?
First Canadian of Chinese ancestry to become Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
What sport did Norman L. Kwong play professionally?
Canadian Football League
True or False: The Lieutenant Governor can dissolve the Legislative Assembly.
True
Fill in the blank: The Lieutenant Governor must sign a bill passed by the Legislative Assembly for it to become _______.
law
What is the role of the Governor General in relation to the Queen?
The Queen’s representative in the federal government
Where does the provincial government of Alberta meet?
Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton
What architectural style is seen in the Alberta Legislature Building?
Columns similar to those used in buildings in ancient Athens
What is the first step after the people of Alberta vote for their representatives?
The government gets down to the business of passing laws
What are the key responsibilities of the Alberta government?
Passing laws, running departments, putting programs into action
Who represents the Queen in Alberta’s government?
Lieutenant Governor
Who is the leader of the Alberta government?
Premier
What is the role of the Cabinet in Alberta’s government?
Responsible for departments
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the legislative body in Alberta.
Legislative Assembly
Who chooses the members of the Cabinet?
The premier chooses a number of MLAs to become members of the Cabinet.
What are Cabinet members known as?
Cabinet members are known as ministers.
What is the role of each minister in the Cabinet?
Each minister is in charge of a different department in the government.
Name three specific ministerial positions mentioned in Alberta.
- Minister of Education
- Minister of Environment
- Minister of Employment, Immigration and Industry
What is the role of civil servants in the departments?
Civil servants are appointed or hired to work in the departments.
Who was the Minister of Children’s Services in 2006?
The Honourable Janis Tarchuk.
What initiatives was Janis Tarchuk asked to focus on as Minister of Children’s Services?
- Child care
- Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying initiative
- Improving programs for children needing specialized services
What additional responsibilities do Cabinet ministers have?
- Meeting with the premier to discuss provincial actions
- Creating a budget for their department
- Researching, writing, and voting on bills
- Working on committees with MLAs
- Serving as MLAs for their constituency
True or False: Cabinet ministers only run departments.
False
Fill in the blank: The premier chooses MLAs who belong to his or her _______.
[political party]
What event did Janis Tarchuk and Premier Ed Stelmach present prizes at in 2007?
The Great Kids Award ceremony.
Who are constituents?
The people who live in the constituency that a member of government represents
What is an opposition member?
An elected member of the Legislative Assembly who is not a member of the party in power
What are the two main areas of responsibility for MLAs?
- Serving the needs of the people in their constituency
- Taking part in government
What is one job that an MLA does?
Bring the views and concerns of constituents to ministries for discussion
What is another responsibility of an MLA?
Introduce, debate, and vote on bills
How do MLAs engage with their constituents?
Ask for their opinions about programs the government is planning to introduce
What type of events do MLAs attend?
Constituency events and celebrations
What is one way MLAs assist their constituents?
Help constituents solve problems with government services
What issues do MLAs meet with special interest groups about?
- Environment
- Child care
- Impaired driving
How do MLAs stay informed?
Keep informed about issues that affect their constituency
What type of committees do MLAs work on?
Government committees to study proposed bills and discuss budget allocations
What is the role of opposition members?
Study and question the government’s plans and actions and propose improvements
Where do MLAs have offices?
In their constituency
How can constituents contact their MLA?
By e-mail or telephone
What do MLAs consider when making decisions?
Their constituents’ views
True or False: MLAs always support government actions that are popular with their constituents.
False
What are some ways people can influence decisions made by the provincial government?
- Voting in referendums
- Expressing opinions about bills
- Becoming a candidate for the Legislature
- Contacting MLAs about concerns
- Voting in elections
These methods allow citizens to engage actively in the political process at the provincial level.
What was the primary concern of people regarding the plans to widen and improve Highway 3?
- Wildlife conservation
- Human safety
Concerns arose due to the potential impact on local wildlife and the safety of drivers.
How many vehicles pass along Highway 3 every day?
Over 6000 vehicles
This high traffic volume increases the risk of wildlife collisions.
Which large mammals are commonly hit by vehicles on Highway 3?
- Mule deer
- White-tailed deer
- Elk
These species are particularly vulnerable due to their habitats near the highway.
Who founded the Road Watch program?
Dr. Michael Quinn
He is an environmental design professor at the University of Calgary.
What is the purpose of the Road Watch program?
To collect data on animal movement for wildlife conservation
This data helps inform the planning of wildlife crossing structures.
What types of wildlife crossing structures are being planned as a result of the Road Watch program?
- Wildlife overpasses
- Wildlife underpasses
These structures are designed to help animals safely cross highways.
Fill in the blank: The information from the Road Watch program will be used to plan the type and location of _______.
wildlife crossing structures
These structures aim to mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions.
