Provincial and Local Government

**Provincial and territorial governments** Each province has its own elected legislature. The leader of the provincial government is the **Premier** — the provincial equivalent of the Prime Minister. The **Lieutenant Governor** represents the Sovereign in each province. **Provincial powers** Provinces manage health care, education, natural resources, property law, civil rights, highways and municipalities. **Territorial governments** The three territories — Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut — have elected assemblies but receive their powers from the federal government rather than the Constitution. Nunavut was created in 1999 as a homeland for the Inuit people. It is Canada's newest and largest territory. **Municipal government** Municipalities (cities, towns, villages) are created by provincial legislation. Mayors and councils are elected locally and manage services including roads, water, garbage, public transit, libraries and local police. **How laws are made** A bill (proposed law) must pass through several readings in the legislature, then receive Royal Assent from the Governor General (federal) or Lieutenant Governor (provincial) to become law. **The Senate** The Senate's 105 members are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75. The Senate reviews legislation passed by the House of Commons — providing "sober second thought." **The Supreme Court** The Supreme Court of Canada consists of nine judges appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. It is the final court of appeal and the arbiter of constitutional questions.