Government and Law
Canada is a Democracy which has elected federal (national),
provincial and municipal (city/town) governments, each with its
own areas of responsibility. Voting eligibility in Canada’s
democratic system is 18 years of age. Canadian citizenship is
required to vote in provincial and federal elections.
All provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador, respect the
rights and freedoms of individuals as outlined by The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Newcomers are protected by law from being discriminated against or harassed on the basis of race, religion, gender and other grounds.
Federal law regulates the Criminal Code of Canada, immigration and national defence. Military service is not compulsory in Canada.
Provincial law regulates highways and roadways, education, and health care. Eligibility for the provincial medical care plan (MCP), depends on individual circumstances, however, permanent residents are eligible.
Municipal governments regulate housing construction and property tax. Non-Canadian citizens are able to purchase property in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador as in the rest of Canada.
Canada is a law-abiding society which boasts a relatively low crime rate, and Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the lowest crime rates in Canada.
For more information on government structures and regulations go to:
www.canada.gc.ca www. gov.nl.ca www.ma.gov.nl.ca