Who handles public safety & justice?
Public Safety & Justice
Public safety involves all three levels. Federal sets criminal law and manages the RCMP, provinces operate courts and provincial police, and municipalities run local police and fire services.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● The RCMP is Canada's only federal police force, providing policing services to over 600 communities across the country.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Criminal law and sentencing (Criminal Code)
- ● Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
- ● National security and border services
- ● Firearms regulation
💡 Example: Contact the RCMP for federal law enforcement matters, or your MP about criminal law reform.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial police services (OPP, SQ, or RCMP under contract)
- ● Court system administration
- ● Emergency management
- ● Provincial corrections and parole
💡 Example: Contact your provincial police for provincial matters, or your MPP/MLA about court access and emergency preparedness.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Municipal police services
- ● Fire services and prevention
- ● By-law enforcement (noise, parking, property standards)
- ● Community safety programs
💡 Example: Call 911 for emergencies, report by-law violations through 311, or contact your councillor about community safety.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Attend local police-community liaison meetings to discuss public safety priorities in your neighbourhood.
- ● Contact your municipal councillor about community safety programs, lighting improvements, and neighbourhood watch initiatives.
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Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Canada ranks among the safest countries globally. It ranks 14th on the Global Peace Index (2024) and has one of the lowest homicide rates among G7 nations.
Public Safety Canada coordinates federal emergency management, border security, national security, fire safety, and transportation safety. It works with provinces and municipalities.
For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, contact your local police non-emergency line. For federal safety issues, contact Public Safety Canada or the relevant agency.
Community policing involves police working closely with community members to identify and address local safety concerns. Most Canadian police services have community policing models.
Join or start a neighbourhood watch program, attend community safety meetings, report suspicious activity, and build relationships with your local police service.