What are the responsibilities of all elected officials?
All elected officials, regardless of what level of government they are voted into, are entrusted with the responsibility of making decisions that affect the day-to-day lives of everyone living in Canada.
Some of their shared responsibilities include:
- Proposing, debating, and voting on legislation (e.g., bills, laws, etc.)
- Meeting with constituents to discuss their concerns.
- Guiding government services.
- Holding regular, democratic elections.
What is the federal government?
The federal government is led by the Prime Minister, who is the leader of the political party elected every four years.
The Prime Minister works with other federally elected representatives, called Members of Parliament (MPs). MPs meet in the House of Commons in Ottawa, the national capital.
The federal government is the highest level of government in Canada. It is responsible for national and international issues, including:
- National defense
- Foreign affairs
- Immigration and citizenship
- Trade and commerce
- Criminal law
- Currency
- Federal taxes
- Indigenous lands and rights
The federal government also has three branches of government with separate powers and responsibilities:
- The Legislative branch debates and passes new laws.
- The Executive branch implements laws.
- The Judicial branch makes sure the laws are fairly interpreted.
The current Prime Minister of Canada is Justin Trudeau. He was re-elected on September 20, 2021. The next federal election will be held in 2025.
What is the provincial government?
The provincial government is led by the Premier, who is the leader of the political party elected every four years.
The Premier works with other provincial elected representatives, called Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs). MPPs meet at Queen’s Park in Toronto, the provincial capital.
The provincial government is responsible for regional issues, including:
- Education (including colleges and universities)
- Health care and social services
- Provincial parks
- Natural resources
- Transportation and highways
- Labour standards
- Sales tax
The current Premier of Ontario is Doug Ford. He was re-elected on February 27, 2025. The next Ontario provincial election will be held in 2029.
What is the municipal government?
The municipal government represents the interests of cities and towns. They oversee local institutions and public services like:
- Libraries
- Waste and snow removal
- Public transit
- Recreation and community centers
- Local police
- Street and sidewalk maintenance
The municipal government is led by the Mayor, who is elected every four years. The Mayor works with councillors, who are elected through a general vote either by an entire municipality or by wards within a larger municipality.
Sometimes, cities and towns come together to form a federation referred to as a “region” or a “county.” Regional and county governments share responsibilities for the different municipalities in their territory.
For example, the Regional Municipality of Halton consists of the City of Burlington and the towns of Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville.
Where can I find more information?
- Voters - Everything a voter should know. By Elections Canada.
- Voting in provincial elections - Learn how to vote in Ontario provincial elections. By Elections Ontario.
- Citizenship Counts: Learn about the benefits of Canadian citizenship, how to apply, and study for the test. By the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants.
- The Government of Canada - Information about how the government works, priorities, laws, finances, etc. By the government of Canada.
- History of Ontario government - Information on how the Ontario government is organized and works. By the government of Ontario.
- Ontario municipalities - By the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
- Levels of Government Game - By the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
- FAQ: Students Asked, We Answered - By Elections Canada.