federal government

Poverty Reduction Efforts in Canada

Reading Time: 7 minutesDisponible en français. There are numerous ways to define and measure poverty. For example, Indigenous Peoples’ conceptions of poverty go beyond financial considerations, and the concept may be discussed in a way that places an emphasis on well-being. Views of… Read More ›

Co-operative Housing in Canada

Reading Time: 8 minutesDisponible en français. A rental housing co-operative (co-op) is a non-profit corporation in which each member-resident owns one share. A form of community housing, rental co-ops are democratically governed by their members, who may also participate in management and operational… Read More ›

Celebrating Indigenous-Led Data Initiatives

Reading Time: 6 minutesDisponible en français.  On 21 June, National Indigenous Peoples Day, communities across Canada hold events to celebrate Indigenous cultures and contributions. To mark the occasion, this HillNote provides information about research and data collected about Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous data sovereignty, the… Read More ›

Executive Summary – Transition to the 44th Parliament: Questions and Answers

Reading Time: < 1 minuteDisponible en français. Canada’s founding document, the Constitution Act, 1867, established the country as a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Executive authority resides with the Sovereign or that person’s representative (i.e., the Governor General of Canada). The Constitution assigns the Governor General a wide range… Read More ›

Executive Summary – Understanding Federal Jurisdiction and First Nations

Reading Time: < 1 minuteDisponible en français. Under section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867, the federal government has exclusive legislative authority for “Indians, and Lands reserved for the Indians.” This responsibility, however, often overlaps with that of the provinces, whose authority extends to areas such as child welfare, education and policing. While “Indians” means all Indigenous peoples for the purpose of section 91(24),… Read More ›

Executive Summary – Bilingualism in Canada’s Court System: The Role of the Federal Government

Reading Time: 2 minutesDisponible en français. There are various rules governing the use of French and English within the Canadian judicial system. This Background Paper focuses on the federal government’s role in the matter, looking particularly at the issues relating to bilingualism within the Canadian court system. There are a number of different acts that govern the administration of justice in the two official… Read More ›