Nursing and the Political Agenda

Canada’s Parliamentary System

Federal and Provincial Powers

Generally speaking, under Canada’s Constitution, Parliament has the power “to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Canada,” except for “subjects assigned exclusively to the legislatures of the provinces.” The provincial legislatures have jurisdiction over fields such as natural resources, social policy, charitable institutions, and health care and hospitals (except marine hospitals).

For further information on Canada’s federal-provincial system see http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/library/idb/forsey/powers_of_govt_01-e.asp.