The only thing politicians like to do more than blame their opponents is blame a different level of government for problems they say are out of their control. Whether it’s the TTC or housing, they point the finger at someone else.
So with this provincial election fast approaching, here’s a refresher on what the province, the city and the federal government each have control over in Canada.
Justice system: The federal government makes the Criminal Code. The provinces enforce the law and prosecute most offences.
Housing: This one falls on all three levels of government. The province has a major responsibility when it comes to setting the rules for renters and landlords. For example, Ontario Premier Doug Ford ended rent control for all units built or occupied after 2018. The federal government and the province also both used to spend money to build affordable housing, but they stopped that a while ago. Cities provide most of the funding for social housing and set the rules for who gets it.
Transit: All three levels of government share this. Cities usually run the transit services, like the TTC. The province gets involved in inter-city transit planning and controls Metrolinx and the GO system. So the province is the one handling the Eglinton Crosstown LRT construction. The federal government chips in for major transit infrastructure, like with $758 million last year for new subway cars on the TTC’s Bloor-Danforth line.
Schools: The province is responsible for funding the K-12 public school system plus colleges and universities. The federal government will often chip in funding for research grants for universities.
Social services: These are largely provincial. Ontario funds the two major social assistance programs, Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program, which support 960,000 Ontarians. The province also provides most funding for homelessness programs and shelters, though cities and the feds contribute. Libraries get most of their funding from the city — but the province also contributes some money for programs.
Immigration: The federal government is ultimately responsible. It decides who can enter the country and their immigration status. However, the provinces play a role in bringing in specific immigrants, like international students.
Health care: This is a provincial responsibility. The federal government sets guidelines for what health care people need to be able to get, and the provinces have to deliver. The federal government also transfers money to the provinces to partially fund the system. Cities are responsible for administering some services, like ambulances.
Labour and work conditions: The province decides the minimum number of sick days, length of lunch hours, vacation weeks per year, and the minimum wage. Federally-regulated industries are an exception to this, like airlines, banks and postal services.
Roads: Provinces are responsible for building roads and they maintain most highways. Cities maintain and repair roads in the cities.
In addition, many of the services in your neighbourhood are provided by the city, like garbage, recycling, and compost programs; city parks; parking and clearing streets of snow and leaves; and policing and firefighting.
This article appeared in the 2025 Feb issue.
