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![]() ![]() Today, the provincial legislature has 27 members; one elected from each district or riding on the Island. The Canadian Constitution dictates the jurisdictions in which the provincial government has autonomy from the federal government. As of 1999, Prince Edward Islands First Minister and Executive Council (commonly referred to as the Premier and Cabinet) have divided the Provinces administrative responsibility among eight departments: Agriculture and Forestry; Community Services and Attorney General; Education; Development; Fisheries and Tourism; Health and Social Services; Provincial Treasury; Technology and Environment; and Transportation and Public Works. Since Canada is a constitutional monarchy, the head of state in the province is the Lieutenant Governor, who represents the King or Queen. It is in this capacity that the Lieutenant Governor officially opens the legislative session and gives Royal Assent to bills passed by the Legislature. The Premier, or First Minister, is the leader of the government, technically appointed to the position by the Lieutenant Governor. The Premier is an elected member of the Legislature and leader of the party that wins the most seats in the election. The Executive Council, or Cabinet, is made up of elected legislators. Each government department is overseen by a member of the Cabinet. In Canada, citizens are entitled to vote once they have reached 18 years of age. Having reached the age of majority, any citizen can also be elected to the provincial Legislature or a municipal council. Candidates are usually nominated through a political party but some also run independently. The three major political parties in Prince Edward Island are the Liberal Party, New Democratic Party, and the Progressive Conservative Party. Governments are elected for a maximum mandate of 5 years. Police | Fire | Education | Health | Waste Management |