What do Canadian cities do?
With three levels of government in Canada it can be hard to keep track of who does what. Below is a chart of the roles of cities, provinces and the federal government.
There are some roles that belong only to the Federal government including: money and banking, international and interprovincial/territorial trade, airlines and railways, telecommunications and broadcasting, foreign affairs and international assistance, defence and veterans affairs, border security employment insurance and criminal law.
Roles and Responsibilities in Canada
Federal (F), Provincial (P), Municipal (M) |
| |
F |
P |
M |
| Aboriginal peoples |
 |
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| Administration of justice |
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| Agriculture |
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| Arts and culture facilities/events |
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| Bylaw Enforcement |
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| Direct taxation |
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| Economic development |
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| Emergency medical services |
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| Emergency preparedness |
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| Environment |
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| Fire protection |
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| Health care * |
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| Housing |
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| Hydro services |
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| Immigration |
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| Indirect taxation |
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| Industry |
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| Municipal institutions |
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Municipal licensing
(animal, building, business) |
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| Municipal planning |
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| Municipal streets and roads |
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| Natural resources |
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| Parking |
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| Parks and recreation |
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| Pensions/income support * |
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| Policing |
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| Post-secondary education, training and research |
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| Primary and secondary education |
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| Public Health |
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| Public libraries |
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| Public transit |
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Social assistance and social
services |
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| Transportation infrastructure |
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| Waste and recycling services |
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| Water and wastewater |
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| "our cities, our future" Addressing the fiscal imbalance in Canada's cities today, Big City Mayors' Caucus, June 2006 |
| * provided by some municipalities |
For more information
311 Toronto
311 Toronto is the public information and referral service for the City of Toronto. This service operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Phone within Toronto city limits: 311
Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca
This guide is prepared for information purposes only. Reference should always be made to the relevant legislation and regulations.
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