Government & Institutions

The Council of the Federation is an association of Canadian provincial and territorial premiers created in 2003 to enhance inter-provincial-territorial cooperation and provide a unified front both to deal with the federal government and to address federal issues. This article introduces the Council and includes discussions on the Council’s structure and procedures, its view of Canadian federalism, and its past achievements in key policy fields.

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On December 12, 2003, Jean Chrétien officially stepped down as Prime Minister of Canada, after 10 years in the office and more than 40 years of public service. This article provides an overview of Jean Chrétien’s lengthy political career: it describes his personal life, his political career under previous Prime Ministers, as well as highlights of his prime ministership.

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The federal government is responsible for managing hundreds of billions of dollars in public funds every year. To effectively manage its money, the federal government, like all Canadians, needs a budget – a financial plan for the future. This article introduces the process and significance of the federal budget. In particular, it examines the nature of the federal budget, the process by which it is made and approved, and its importance to Canada’s political and democratic system.

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The Office of Governor General is one of the least discussed political institutions in Canadian politics, yet represents one of the most historical and symbolic offices in the nation’s system of government. In recent years, the Office of Governor General has been the focus of some debate in Canada, with some questioning its overall relevance, while others have taken issue with the costs of running the Office, and spending by the Governor General.

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Crown Corporations are an integral part of Canada’s social, political, and economic landscape. The purpose of this article is to provide a general introduction to the nature of Crown Corporations in Canada. In so doing, this feature examines the history of Crown Corporations, their role in Canadian society, how they operate, and key issues relating to them.

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The Bank of Canada (BOC) is a central economic and financial institution in Canadian government and politics. It oversees such important things as the national borrowing rates (interest rates), as well as the value of the Canadian dollar relative to other national currencies. This article introduces the Bank of Canada as an economic and political institution; in particular, it discusses the Bank’s roles and powers, its structure and modes of operation, as well as some of the issues and debates surrounding the Bank.

[Read more…] about The Bank of Canada