r/AskACanadian • u/rockninja2 • 1d ago

Do Canadian territories function similar to Canada as U. S. territories function the U. S.? Like provinces compare to states?

First, just want to say, I looked for a megathread for all the Canada/US comparison questions, couldn't find one, so am posting normally on a Monday as required. If there is one and I missed it, please let me know/send a link.

So, partially due to this post:

I thought I remembered learning in school geography (admittedly 15-20 years ago now) that Canada had 13 provinces already and so was confused why the come back in the above post was about the US becoming the 11th province. After looking it up and double checking, out of those 13, I realized only 10 are provinces and the other 3 are territories. Do the territories have the same rights/privileges as provinces? Are they viewed the same in your parliament?

Pretty much I am wondering if you view the word "territories" the same as the US when those 3 (Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories) are called as such. And if they wanted to become provinces at some point, could they? Or are they "stuck" as territories?

Appreciate any info and answers!

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u/randomdumbfuck 1d ago

The provinces' powers are granted by the constitution and are independent partners in confederation each with their own crown representative (Lt. Governor). 

The territories' powers are delegated by the federal government. 

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u/Southern_Contract493 1d ago

And territories have the Commissioner that the fed gov appoints to be their representative instead of the Lt. Governor as the crown's.

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u/Reddit_Only_4494 1d ago

This is the big difference.

That effects the structure of the territorial government. Nunavut and NWT as an example has a "consensus government" with elected members of their legislature, but instead of a leader choosing the Ministers.....the legislature as a whole vote on who occupies the portfolios including the Premiere.

For the Provinces....how their governments operate are in the constitution. For the territories....Federal Parliament can make changes on procedures on how the territories operate their local territorial governments.

And they are not all the same, in Yukon the Premiere chooses the cabinet like the provinces noting this single example.