On May 12, 2009, British Columbians elected the provincial Liberal Party, helmed by Gordon Campbell, to its third consecutive term in office. The 2009 election was dominated by economic and financial issues as the province attempts to deal with the global economic slowdown, rising unemployment, and government deficits. Additionally, the election coincided with a provincial referendum on electoral reform, in which the proposed change to a BC-STV system of electing representatives was defeated.

Canada’s provinces are an integral layer of the nation’s governmental system. Under Canada’s Constitution, provincial governments have many key powers and jurisdictions, such as the provision of fundamental social services (for example, health, education and welfare), control over civil and property rights, and power over local government. This article explores provincial government in Canada, focusing on the key topics of the provinces as a level of government; provincial political, financial and administrative institutions; and issues and debates in provincial government.

The job of regulating Canada’s broadcasting and telecommunications sectors falls to the Canada Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), an independent public authority created in 1968. Over its history, the CRTC has made numerous rulings regarding regulation and has addressed the impact of technologies on the industries over which it serves as guardian. This article begins with a brief overview of the CRTC as a regulatory body.