Canada/Federal

Hansard provides transcripts of Parliamentary debates. Searchable by date or by Parliamentary Session.

The principal functions of the Treaty Law Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade are, on the one hand, to provide legal advice, both within the Department and to other government departments, on treaty law and, on the other hand, to take care of the actual “nuts and bolts” of the Canada’s treaty-making activities. In addition they maintain up-to-date records of all pertinent information relating to the status of treaties affecting Canada.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is an independent body working to protect and inform consumers of financial products and services (such as banking, credit cards, loans, savings and insurance), and to coordinate activities that contribute to strengthening Canadians’ financial literacy.

Industry Canada works to improve conditions for investment, enhance Canada’s innovation performance, increase Canada’s share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace. This includes managing Canada’s airwaves and overseeing its bankruptcy, incorporation, intellectual property and measurement systems; providing financing and industry research tools to help businesses develop, import and export; encouraging scientific research; and protecting and promoting the interests of Canadian consumers.

The Department of Justice fulfills three distinctive roles within the Government of Canada. It acts as: a policy department with broad responsibilities for overseeing all matters relating to the administration of justice that fall within the federal domain; a provider of  legal advisory, litigation and legislative services to government departments and agencies; and a central agency responsible for supporting the Minister in advising Cabinet on all legal matters.

The Competition Bureau is responsible for administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. Its role is to promote and maintain fair competition so that Canadians can benefit from lower prices, product choice and quality services.

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) supports Aboriginal people (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and Northerners in their efforts to: improve social well-being and economic prosperity; develop healthier, more sustainable communities; and participate more fully in Canada’s political, social and economic development — to the benefit of all Canadians.

IGOV is a part of the Faculty of Human and Social Development (HSD). Research and course content are informed by a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge and traditions as well as a thorough understanding of the current political realities of Indigenous communities. They offer degree and certificate programs and initiate community projects. Website includes a recommended reading list.

Self-government agreements set out arrangements for Aboriginal groups to govern their internal affairs and assume greater responsibility and control over the decision making that affects their communities. Includes links to the Federal Policy Guide Aboriginal Self-Government and information about the self-government process. 

The Planning for the Future section of the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s website offers suggestions and a checklist to facilitate personal and legal planning.

Casting your ballot lets you speak your mind. It lets you be heard. This site shows you how. It’s loaded with information for anyone who wants to know how elections work. You can look up the answers to election basics or go deeper to find information on Canada’s electoral system.

The Voter Information Service provides information on your electoral district and member of Parliament. Searches can be made using postal codes, candidate names, maps, provinces, keywords, or addresses.