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.
[Read more…] about The Federal Budget in CanadaThe Governor General of Canada
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.
[Read more…] about The Governor General of CanadaCrown Corporations in Canada
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.
[Read more…] about Crown Corporations in Canada2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics
On July 2, 2003, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge announced that Vancouver would host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This article provides an overview of Vancouver’s Olympic bid. In doing so, this article provides discussions on the process and politics by which Vancouver was selected as a host city, opposition to the 2010 Vancouver Olympic bid, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of hosting an Olympics.
[Read more…] about 2010 Vancouver Winter OlympicsGomery Commission of Inquiry & Sponsorship Scandal
In February 2006, the Commission of Inquiry into the Sponsorship Program and Advertising Activities (better known as the Gomery Commission) released the second of two reports. This final report provided recommendations for reform to ensure that incidents such as the Sponsorship Scandal do not happen again. The first report, released in November 2005, detailed the Commission’s key findings concerning the actual events pertaining to the scandal. This article provides an introduction to the Sponsorship Program and the scandal that developed around it, as well as an overview of the nature and findings of the Gomery Commission of Inquiry.
[Read more…] about Gomery Commission of Inquiry & Sponsorship ScandalThe Canadian Maple Leaf Flag
On February 15th, 1965, the modern Canadian flag, bearing its hallmark maple leaf, was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. Today, the maple leaf is a recognized symbol of Canada; it has also come to symbolize unity, tolerance, and peace. This article provides a history of Canada’s modern flag, and describes the events and debates leading up to its adoption.
[Read more…] about The Canadian Maple Leaf Flag