Why do municipalities in Canada have responsibility for services such as libraries and utilities?

In Canada, the responsibility for services such as libraries and utilities is assigned to municipalities because municipal government falls under the jurisdiction of the provinces. Under the Canadian constitutional framework, provincial legislatures have the authority to divide their territory into various forms of municipalities—such as cities, towns, and districts—and delegate specific powers to them.12

These municipal responsibilities are generally those most closely associated with the daily life, well-being, and protection of citizens. To manage these duties effectively, municipalities often utilize local boards and commissions, which may be elected or appointed, to administer specific services including education, utilities, and libraries. While the provincial government retains ultimate control over local administration, this structure allows for the management of local matters to be handled independently, often coordinated through elected councils.134