There are three distinct levels of government in Canada: municipal, provincial (or territorial), and federal.
Municipal government
Municipal/local governments establish rules and bylaws, and deliver services that support the municipality. Most often, municipal governments are cities, towns, or Districts. Services depend on the specific community, but often include:
- municipal governance including Council operations, bylaw enforcement, financial planning, administration and more
- fire protection, police services, and emergency management
- land use planning and building
- environmental protection and climate action
- roads and snow removal
- water and sewer infrastructure
- community buildings (we have more than 25!)
- maintenance of parks and green spaces
Provincial government
Provincial or territorial governments have the authority to make decisions, which affect the entire province or territory, but not the rest of Canada. This includes things like:
- education
- affordable housing and homeless supports
- health care and hospitals
Federal government
The Federal Government, also known as the Government of Canada, oversees things that affect the entire country, such as:
- postal service
- national defense
- the Supreme Court
- passports
- employment insurance