Canadian federalism involves the current nature and historical development of federal systems in
Canada. Canada is a federation with 11 jurisdictions of governmental authority: the country-wide
federal Crown and 10 provincial Crowns. (Three territorial governments in the far north exercise powers delegated by the
federal parliament.) Each, generally independent from the others in its realm of legislative authority, derives its authority from the
Canadian Crown and includes the
Queen-in-Parliament, the
Queen-in-Council, and the
Queen's Bench. Most sectors are under federal jurisdiction (such as foreign affairs and telecommunications) or that of the provinces, such as education and healthcare. The division of powers is outlined in the
Constitution Act, 1867 (formerly the British North America Act 1867), a key document in the
Constitution of Canada.