The Capital as a Seat of Government

A Capital city is the city where the “seat of government” resides. Usually this means the location where the three elements of government are located. The three elements of the government are:

• The elected representatives who make laws and policy (sometimes called politicians). They form the political element and work in the Parliament Buildings (or City Halls for municipal government);
• The people who draft policies and laws and administer government services (sometimes called civil servants or bureaucrats). They form the administrative element and work in government offices; and
• The judges and lawyers in courts who uphold the laws form the judicial element (The Legal System) and work in the courthouse.

Our system of government is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. In Canada the head of state is the Queen and her representatives that act on her behalf. Each Capital in Canada has a vice-regal representative.

Because of their special status, Capital cities have important buildings, keep and exhibit important objects of history and display symbols. The Capital city is a location of celebrations, ceremonies and protests and visits by important dignitaries.

Canada has one federal capital city (Ottawa, Ontario), 10 provincial capitals and three territorial capitals. To view a map of these locations, follow this link.

How did Victoria become the Capital of the province, read on.

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