Possible Roles of Government in Times of Crisis

What can governments do to help their citizens in times of crisis?

Governments can help their citizens in many ways during times of crisis. Some may choose to offer programs and services to reduce costs, or provide emergency funds to assist in covering every day costs like groceries, rent and utility bills. Other governments may choose to delay taxes or provide increased benefits including Child Care Benefits or Employment Benefits. The provision of social services and the government response to crisis differs between Canada and the United States, and around the world.

What has the Government of Canada done in response to the crisis?

Canada has attempted to provide Pandemic related information that is useful, and trustworthy and provides help to identify its causes for the Canadian public, in addition to making funding available to cushion the financial impact of lost income on individuals and businesses. Canada’s response to this crisis is very different to that of other countries.

What have Provincial Governments done in response to the crisis?

Canada operates in a federal system of government, where the national government and the provincial and territorial governments provide service based upon powers outlined in our Constitution. Health care is the responsibility of the Provinces and Territories; however, the Federal government, thorough the Public Health Agency of Canada plays a collaborative role and through it, works very closely with the provinces in health related crisis, like the current pandemic. Canada’s provincial government response to this crisis is very different to that of other countries.

How has the process of Government changed in response to the crisis?

Our parliamentary system of government operates through the House of Commons and the Senate, with a set of rules to guide the passage of laws, and the development and implementation of programs and services that Canadians want, and pay for. The system relies on these rules to ensure that the will of the people takes place, through actions of their elected officials. Changes to our laws, programs and services, including large expenditures that are part of the Government’s response to the current crisis are now being completed with amended rules in order to facilitate social distancing requirements. Other procedural changes may be allowed as our system adapts to the challenges of this pandemic.

Is our democracy threatened in times of crisis?

Our democracy requires decisions to be made in parliament, through the agreement of the majority of members of the House of Commons and the Senate, before major changes are made. Some are concerned that changes to the current rules of Parliament may damage our democracy and could give too much control to the current government in power. Others are concerned that short term amendments to rules may become permanent and affect our democratic traditions.

What are the checks and balances in place in our Canadian democracy?

Canada operates a Parliamentary Democracy with a Parliament that has two chambers, the House of Commons – where elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from each of Canada’s electoral ridings sit, and the Senate – where appointed Senators sit. Legislation must be passed by both chambers before becoming a law. The Government is the represented by the political party that has the greatest number of seats or members (MPs) in the House of Commons. The two-house system is an approach that builds in checks and balances to ensure that no branch of government, nor the judicial systems has too much power in our democracy.