Each power below comes from a law, agreement or official page, linked under it. This page lists the powers each government holds. It does not say how they are used.
Cities, and towns, villages and summer villages with more than 5,000 people, must arrange their own policing: a municipal or regional police service, or an agreement such as with the provincial police service. Municipal districts, specialized municipalities (outside urban service areas over 5,000) and towns, villages and summer villages of 5,000 or fewer receive provincial policing and may choose their own service instead (Police Act s.4).
Exclusive: "The Criminal Law, except the Constitution of Courts of Criminal Jurisdiction, but including the Procedure in Criminal Matters." Constitution Act, 1867, s. 91(27). Provinces run the courts and administration of justice (s. 92(14)).
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca· checked Text quoted from the Constitution Acts (Justice Laws Website, current to 2026-09-21).For: Criminal law (Parliament of Canada)
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