Canada is one of the world’s great liberal democracies and is based on the British parliamentary model. Every citizen over the age of 18 has the right to vote—to have his or her say in how our country should be run. A model for the world, Canada is active in helping bring democracy and democratic values to other countries.
Canada is a federation made up of 10 provinces and 3 territories. As a large country with a small populationand great r egional difference in geography and perspective, we have developed a unique style of government based on respect for alternative views and compromise. Our three levels of elected government federal, provincial and municipal–divide the responsibilities of governing among them.
Canada has an independent judiciary and laws based on a written constitution, which includes a Charter of Rights and Freedoms that takes precedence over the other laws of the land.
With less red tape and regulation than many countries in the world, business in Canada is freer to be innovative and entrepreneurial than in many other places. According to a study by the World Economic Forum, we have fewer business start-up procedures than any of the 120 countries ranked. In addition to the Immigrant Investor Programs, our governments have enacted many laws that promote business and encourage foreign investment.
