A guide to Canadian government
Canada has different levels of government because decisions affect people at different scales. Here’s a quick guide to who is generally responsible for what.
For all of Canada
The Government of Canada makes decisions on national matters and issues that cross provincial or international borders.
For a province or territory
Provinces and territories make decisions about many services and matters within their borders. Territories exercise powers through authority delegated by Parliament.
For a city, town or community
Municipalities are created by provinces and deliver local services and make bylaws using powers delegated by the province or territory.
The division is not always a neat split. Governments can work together or act under different powers on the same issue. For example, provinces and territories run most health services, while the federal government provides health funding and sets national rules through federal law. Immigration and agriculture are examples of areas where federal and provincial powers can both apply.
If an issue is local, start with your municipality. For schools, hospitals or provincial roads, look to your province or territory. For national laws, passports, defence or cross-border issues, look to the federal government. The exact answer can depend on the service and where you live.