Government Roles & Responsibilities

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:

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