As a City of Hamilton employee, you will find it useful to understand how municipal government fits into other orders of government in Canada.
The three levels of government include:
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the municipal, or local, government
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the provincial government of Ontario
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the federal government of Canada
Each level of government is responsible for providing certain services and has the ability to raise money through specific types of taxation.
Municipal Government
Municipal government is responsible for most community affairs and includes related boards and commissions (school boards, for example). It provides many of the services within their local boundaries which residents rely on every day:
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airports
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ambulance, police, fire and Emergency Medical Services
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animal control
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arts and culture
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by-law enforcement
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child care
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economic development
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electric utilities
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garbage collection and recycling
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library services
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long-term care and housing for seniors
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parks and recreation
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planning new community developments and enhancing existing neighbourhoods
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property assessment
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provincial offences administration
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public health
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public transit
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snow removal, road and sidewalk maintenance
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social housing
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social services
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tax collection
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water, sewage, storm sewers
Municipal governments in the province spend billions each year to provide the public services that meet these important needs of Ontario’s residents. Municipal governments raise most of the money for financing these services from the property taxes paid by residents and businesses in the local area. Additional funding comes from "user fees" or "non-tax revenue" from parking fines, for example. Some funding still comes from the provincial government.
The Provincial Government
The provincial government is responsible for issues that are explicitly stated in Canada's written constitution the Constitution Act, 1867.
Through the provincial legislature, the provincial government has the power to enact or amend laws and programs related to:
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administration of justice
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culture and tourism
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education, including post-secondary institutions
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highways
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hospitals
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natural resources and environment
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prisons
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property and civil rights in the province
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social services
The province directly funds or transfers money to institutions to ensure delivery of these essential services. The provincial legislature also has power over all municipal institutions in the province.
For more on the Government of Ontario, click here
The Federal Government
As stated in the Constitution Act, 1867 the federal government has the power “to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Canada” except for areas in which the provinces are given exclusive powers.
Among the many exclusive powers of the federal government are:
For more on the Government of Canada, click here