Who handles transportation?
Transportation
Transportation is shared across all levels based on scope: federal handles interprovincial and international (air, rail, marine), provinces manage highways and transit funding, and municipalities operate local transit. Transportation infrastructure connects communities and supports economic growth.
⚠️ 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.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Air transportation regulation (Transport Canada)
- ● Rail safety and regulation
- ● Marine transportation and ports
- ● Interprovincial and international transport
- ● Canada Transit Fund and major infrastructure projects
- ● Transport Canada (regulation of railways, aviation, marine)
💡 Example: Contact Transport Canada about air or rail concerns, or your MP about transportation policy.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial highways and maintenance
- ● Public transit funding and planning
- ● Driver licensing and vehicle registration
- ● Provincial road safety standards
- ● Provincial highways and bridges
- ● Driver licensing and vehicle registration
💡 Example: Contact your provincial transportation ministry about highway concerns.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Local public transit operations
- ● Road maintenance and repairs
- ● Traffic management and signals
- ● Cycling and pedestrian infrastructure
💡 Example: Report road issues through 311, or contact your councillor about transit service.
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 in Transportation Issues
Transportation affects your daily commute, travel, and quality of life. You can advocate for better transit, safer roads, and sustainable transportation by taking these steps:
- ● Contact your MP about federal transit funding, infrastructure projects, or transportation regulation
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about highway maintenance, driver licensing, or vehicle standards
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local transit routes, road maintenance, or cycling infrastructure
- ● Join transportation advocacy organizations like the Canadian Public Transit Association or local transit unions
Ready to Take Action?
Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the issues that matter to you.
Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Federal government manages the Trans-Canada Highway system. Provincial governments handle highways and major roads. Municipal governments maintain local streets, sidewalks, and traffic signals.
Apply through your provincial motor vehicle agency. You typically need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test. Most provinces use a graduated licensing system for new drivers.
Major cities have extensive transit systems including subways, light rail, buses, and commuter trains. Systems include TTC (Toronto), STM (Montreal), TransLink (Vancouver), OC Transpo (Ottawa), and CTA (Calgary).
Via Rail operates intercity passenger rail services, primarily along the Corridor between Quebec City and Windsor. Amtrak operates in some western regions. There is no high-speed rail network in Canada.
For local roads, call 311 or your municipality's non-emergency line. For provincial highways, contact your provincial Ministry of Transportation. For federal roads, contact the relevant federal department.