By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
In Canada, understanding the three levels of government – federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal – is crucial for effective civic engagement but knowing who does what can be tricky.
Most calls, emails, and correspondence my office is currently receiving falls under the municipal purview, which puts my staff and me in a precarious situation given the CAO of Norfolk County has made it clear we are not to involve ourselves in County issues. When you call to tell me you are not getting what you feel is the proper service, I want to help but I don’t have the proverbial big stick to beat others into submission.
Most recent examples include concerns over an aquifer in Waterford, Norfolk’s water rates, as well as correspondence related to a local development where the constituent feels there is a lack of safe places for children to play. I agree most times with the constituent; however, I am not the elected councillor who is the person paid to represent the taxpayer at the municipal/county level.
I like to get things done and I like to do it better than the next guy, so to speak. But in general, it’s a silo structure between the federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government. Essentially, we are isolated entities responsible for specific issues under our jurisdiction. I can let them know there is a problem or issue and then I hope they solve it to your satisfaction. When my office refers you to someone else, it is not because we want to pass the buck, but rather we must. This is as frustrating for me as it is for you.
In this complicated and bureaucratic environment in which we live and work, it is sometimes hard to know who does what when it comes to government.
Our federal government covers matters affecting all of Canada, which includes national defense, foreign affairs, citizenship, criminal law, currency, federal taxes, Canada Post, Indigenous Affairs, Fisheries, Employment Insurance and Social Programs, and the Supreme Court.
My bailiwick falls under the auspices of the Ontario provincial government. The Ontario government oversees issues including education, healthcare, highways, transportation, natural resources, the environment, and the administration of justice, social services (including but not limited to Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program), culture and tourism, property and civil rights, labor and work conditions, liquor licensing, and municipal affairs. With respect to the latter, while the province lays out the framework for how municipalities operate, County staffers and politicians are responsible for managing that framework.
And finally, municipal governments are responsible for services and issues like parks, libraries, property taxes, water rates, fire services, sidewalks, streetlights and local road maintenance.
My staff will do all they can to point you in the right direction if your issue does not fall under our provincial responsibilities, but we maintain if you are not receiving adequate service elsewhere, let us know.
There are times when an issue overlaps levels of government. An example is the MZO for the development proposal at the Nanticoke Industrial Park. My wading into this one was much to the chagrin of County staff last week. However, at the end of the day, I represent the taxpayer, not councillors nor the county brass.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk