Civics 101

What is municipal government?

Canada has three levels of government:

Federal Government
Provincial Government
Municipal Government

Each level is responsible for different services and programs.

Municipal governments are created by provincial governments and are responsible for providing local services within their community.

What does the municipal government do?

Municipal governments are responsible for many local services, including:

Roads and sidewalks
Parks and recreation
Water and wastewater services
Snow clearing
Garbage and recycling collection
Land use planning
Building and development permits
Bylaw enforcement
Fire services
Local community planning

Municipal responsibilities are defined by provincial legislation.

What does the provincial government do?

The Province of Nova Scotia is responsible for services such as:

Healthcare
Education
Highways
Housing programs
Driver licensing
Courts and justice systems

What does the federal government do?

The Government of Canada is responsible for areas such as:

National defence
Immigration
Currency and banking
International relations
Federal taxes
Canada Post
Employment Insurance and CPP

Why is it important to understand the different levels of government?

Understanding which level of government is responsible for a service can help residents know where to direct questions, concerns, or feedback. Many community issues involve multiple levels of government working together.