So, there's going to be a federal election on May 2nd. You want to express your democratic right to vote for the person who you think will be the best representative for yourself in national matters. So, you decide to go to a local candidate's event or debate and you muster up the courage to ask a question. Before you open your mouth and make yourself look silly, remember the division of federal and provincial jurisdictions. Federal jurisdictions include:
- National debt and property
- The regulation of trade
- Employment insurance
- National defence and military
- Banks
- First nations and Métis reserves
- Equalization
- Federal crimes
However, there are also some shared areas of jurisdiction that both the federal and provincial governments have their own departments/ministries. These include:
- Environment
- Energy
- Health care (the federal government contributes to provincial health care, but the province runs their own health care program in accordance to the basic guidelines of the Canadian Health Act)
- Agriculture (Most programs use the following funding formula: the feds pay 60% and the provinces cover the remaining 40%)
- Justice
Of course you can ask questions about local matters, but just know that the candidate might stay on message for federal issues and priorities. Don't take it personally if they do not give you a straight answer or even answer your question. This is just a quick reference, but it should be a good place to start in becoming a more informed citizen. Now go and exercise your democratic right to choose who represents you and your local riding in the national capital on issues that affect all Canadians, including your family and yourself.
