Our government in Canada
Calgary is run by three levels of government working together to support our city. The City of Calgary runs your local, municipal government. The federal and provincial governments also have responsibilities related to Calgary.
Learn about the different services each level provides to you and other citizens.
Three levels of government
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Federal government
The Government of Canada is our Federal Government. It makes decisions that affect the entire country. This can include immigration, citizenship, the postal service, defense, travel, justice and the Supreme Court, emergencies and employment insurance.
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Provincial government
The Government of Alberta is our provincial government. It has the authority to make decisions which impact the entire province. This can include education and training programs, healthcare, housing, agriculture, justice, and more.
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Municipal government
Municipal governments come in many forms. They can be cities, like Calgary. They can be towns, counties, villages, or summer villages. Local government creates rules, bylaws, and policies for community services. This can include public transportation, safety, social well-being, parks, recreation, development, building, and more.
There are three levels of government in Canada. Do you know what each one does? Watch to find out!
© Library of Parliament
Who does what?
The following are examples of services provided by each government.
For a complete list, please visit their respective services webpages linked below.
Benefits - EI, family and sickness leave, child benefit, pensions, housing, student aid, disabilities, after a death.
Business and industry - Starting a business, permits, copyright, business support, selling to government.
Canada and the world - Foreign policy, trade agreements, development work, global issues.
Culture, history and sport - Arts, media, heritage, official languages, national identity and funding.
Environment and natural resources - Weather, climate, agriculture, wildlife, pollution, conservation, fisheries.
Health - Food, nutrition, diseases, vaccines, drugs, product safety and recalls.
Immigration and citizenship - Visit, work, study, immigrate, refugees, permanent residents, apply, check status.
Jobs - Find a job, training, hiring programs, work permits, Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Manage life events - Benefits and resources to help navigate life's biggest transitions.
Money and finances - Personal finance, credit reports, fraud protection, paying for education.
National security and defense - Military, transportation and cyber security, securing the border, counter-terrorism.
Policing, justice and emergencies - Safety, justice system, prepare for emergencies, services for victims of crime.
Science and innovation - Scientific research on health, environment and space, grants and funding.
Taxes - Income tax, payroll, GST/HST, contribution limits, tax credits, charities.
Travel and tourism - In Canada or abroad, advice, advisories, passports, visit Canada, events, attractions.
Transport and infrastructure - Aviation, marine, road and rail, car seat and vehicle recalls.
Agriculture - Funding programs, business resources, agriculture information, agri-food and local food business resources, and calculators and tools.
Birth, adoption, death, marriage and divorce -Birth and adoption, death, divorce and separation, marriage, legal name changes, registry services, and ordering and updating documents.
Business and economic development - Agriculture, forestry, tourism and other key sectors and supports for business, trade, economic development and government contracting.
Culture - Funding for heritage and cultural industry projects, and information about museums, historic sites, libraries and cultural events.
Driving safety - Driving and vehicles, roads, highways and bridges, and public transportation.
Education and training - K to 12 and post-secondary education, adult learning, career planning, and student financial assistance, records, diplomas and transcripts.
Emergency preparedness, disaster response and public safety - Information to keep your family, your home and your community safe. Emergency help call 911.
Employment - Alberta jobs, employment standards, OHS, and other services and supports for workers and employers.
Environment - Protecting Alberta’s environment and natural resources includes preserving the quality of our water, air, natural lands and wildlife.
Family and social supports - Financial assistance and services for seniors, children, people with disabilities, and individuals and families in crisis.
Fish and wildlife - Information, regulations and legislation on fish and wildlife species and management in Alberta.
Government - Alberta government organizations, legislation, priorities, taxes and levies, and First Nations and Métis policy and services.
Health - Alberta health insurance and benefits, doctors, hospitals and facilities, and other healthcare supports and information.
Housing - Explore Alberta's municipalities, community supports, and information for owning or renting a home in Alberta.
Indigenous relations - Resources, policy and services for First Nation and Métis peoples in Alberta.
Infrastructure - Projects, properties and policies that involve doing business with and oversight from government.
Justice - Crime, law enforcement and the province's justice system, legal representation and documents and your rights as an Albertan.
Moving to Alberta - Immigration information, jobs, health, education and more for those planning to move or who are new to Alberta.
Municipalities - Alberta municipalities and communities, municipal governance, growth and collaboration, and maps and statistics.
Non-profit and charitable organizations - Grants, supports and resources for non-profit companies, societies and charitable organizations.
Tax information - Overview of Alberta’s personal and business taxes and levies, Alberta’s tax advantage, and links to programs and services.
Tourism, sport and outdoor recreation - Discover Alberta’s travel destinations, find grants and services for non-profit sport organizations or plan your next outdoor adventure.
Buy and sell with The City - Purchase from or supply goods and services to The City.
Calgary traffic report and road closures - Details on road construction, road closures, detours, accidents and incidents that may affect your commute are shown on the map.
City planning - Growing our city for today and for our future.
Development and building - Managing how we improve our city and share our spaces.
Environment - Climate, nature, and the city's urban habitat.
For business owners - Setup, operation, and support for small and large businesses.
Parks and recreation - Outdoor and indoor spaces to enjoy and play.
Pets - Sharing the city with our animal friends.
Properties, housing and neighbourhoods - Includes housing, water, waste, tax, and programs for your home and local community
Public and personal safety - Preparing for and providing help during disasters and emergencies.
Social programs and services - Services and support for various groups.
Transportation - Moving around our city - by driving, walking, cycling, public transit and more.