There are three distinct levels of government in Canada: municipal, provincial (or territorial), and federal. Municipalities are created and governed by provincial legislation or authority - they are not a named level of government in the constitution. The table below is not exhaustive, but provides guidance in terms of what the respective scopes of governance are.
MUNICIPALTOWN of NANTON |
PROVINCIALALBERTA |
FEDERALCANADA |
| Town Office | Employer and Employee Supports | Airports |
| Development and Building Permits and Fees | Hospitals | Borders and Passports |
| Family and Community Support Services (Municipal Contribution, NQLF) | Family and Community Support Services (Provincial Contribution, NQLF) | Broadcasting and telecommunications |
| Local Road Maintenance and Improvement | Highways | Canada Child Benefit |
| Protective Services (Fire, Municipal Enforcement) | RCMP Contract (communities under 5,000) | National RCMP/ Criminal Code |
| Parks, Trails and Playgrounds | Housing | Employment Insurance |
| Recreation Facilities | Justice | Fisheries, Oceans and National Parks |
| Library (municipal contribution) | Landlord and Tennant Supports | Mortgages (i.e. CHMC) |
| Senior's Housing (Mosquito Creek Foundation) | Post-secondary Education | International travel and support for Canadian abroad |
| Property Tax (municipal portion) | Property Tax (provincial portion) | Income Tax and GST |
| Utilities (water, sewer, stormwater) | Safety Enforcement | Charter of Rights and Freedoms |
| Waste Collection (garbage, recycling, yard waste, regional landfill partner) | Schools | National Defense and Veterans' Affairs |
| Emergency Management (local level pursuant to provincial legislation) | Social Services (e.g. treatment, specialized services, violence shelters) | Postal Service |
| Cemetery | Public Health | Student Loans |
Municipal government
The Town of Nanton establishes rules and bylaws, providing services permitted under the Municipal Government Act that support the municipality. We sometimes collaboratively partner with neighbouring Towns, Counties and Municipal Districts on services via intermunicipal agreements.
Nanton is a member of both Alberta Municipalities and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, organizations that advocate on behalf of municipalities at the provincial and federal levels.