Understanding Your Government

Levels of Government in Canada

There are three levels of government in Canada:

• Municipal
• Provincial
• Federal

Each level has different responsibilities.

Municipal Government

The Warden serves as the head of the municipal government in Inverness County. Members of Council (Councillors) are elected by residents across the municipality.

In rural municipalities such as Inverness County, the Warden leads Council. The role of Warden is like that of a mayor in towns and regional municipalities; however, Mayors are elected at large by residents, while Wardens are voted in by Council. The current Warden is Bonny MacIsaac, Councillor for District 3.

Council meets twice each month (no meetings in August). At these meetings, Councillors advocate on behalf of their districts’ residents and make decisions on municipal matters.

Municipal governments are responsible for services and issues such as:

• Local land use and planning
• Water and wastewater systems
• Solid waste collection
• Recreation and wellness programming
• Community development
• Property taxes
• RCMP

Provincial Government

Nova Scotians vote for and elect Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to represent them in provincial government. After an election, the Lieutenant Governor (the provincial representative of The Crown) appoints the Premier to lead the government. The premier serves as the head of provincial government. The current premier is the Honourable Tim Houston, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia.

When the Legislature is in session (in Halifax), MLAs raise concerns and issues on behalf of their constituents.

As of April 2026, the Municipality of Inverness County remains within the provincial riding of Inverness, which is represented by MLA Kyle MacQuarrie. In February 2026, however, the Province of Nova Scotia passed legislation creating a new exceptional riding, Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay, carved out of the existing Inverness district to improve Acadian representation. A byelection will be held at a later date to choose the first MLA for the new riding, while the remaining Inverness district continues to be represented by the current MLA until the next general election.

Provincial and territorial governments have the authority to create and amend their own laws and manage public lands. They are responsible for areas such as:

• Education (public schools, community colleges, and universities)
• Healthcare (hospitals, public health, and medical services)
• Transportation (provincial highways, road construction and maintenance, driver licensing, and road safety laws)
• Natural resources (forestry, mining, and energy development)
• Environment (environmental protection, provincial parks, and conservation)
• Justice and public safety (provincial courts, policing, and correctional services)
• Municipal affairs (setting rules and oversight for municipalities and local governments)
• Social services (income assistance, child welfare, and housing supports)
• Labour and workplace regulation (employment standards, workplace safety, and labour laws)
• Property and consumer matters (tenancy laws, property rights, and consumer protection)
• Licensing and regulation (businesses, trades, and regulated professions)

Federal Government

Canada is a constitutional monarchy, with the Monarch of the British Commonwealth serving as our Head of State. The current monarch is His Majesty King Charles III. The King is represented in Canada by the Governor General, currently Her Excellency Mary Simon. The King and his representatives must remain neutral in all political matters.

Canadians elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent them in the federal government. After an election, the Governor General (Canada’s representative of The Crown) appoints the Prime Minister.

When Parliament sits in Ottawa, MPs represent their constituents and raise local and national concerns. The Municipality of Inverness County is in the federal riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish, which is represented by MP Jaime Battiste.

After an election, the Governor General appoints the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, typically an MP themselves, is the Head of Government, and is typically the leader of the largest political party in the House of Commons. The current Prime Minister is The Right Honorable Mark Carney, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.

The federal government is responsible for national and international matters, including:

• Federal taxes and revenue
• International trade policy
• Foreign affairs
• Currency and banking
• Mail (Canada Post)
• Shipping and railways
• Inter-provincial and international pipelines
• Telecommunications
• Criminal law
• Foreign affairs
• National defence
• Employment Insurance
• Indigenous lands and rights

Municipal Governance and Council Meetings

Municipal Council meets on the first and third Thursday of each month (no meetings are held in August),

• Time: 9:30 a.m.
• Location: Council Chambers, Port Hood Administration Building
  375 Main Street, Port Hood

The Warden, Councillors, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and Administrative Assistant to Council/CAO attend meetings, along with relevant municipal staff.

Council meetings are open to the public, and residents are welcome to attend. Council meeting dates and times can be found on the Municipality of Inverness County website homepage – invernesscounty.ca

Types of Council Meetings

• Regular Council Meetings
  • The first meeting of the month is a Regular Council Meeting. These meetings are used to ratify (approve or accept) Committee of the Whole recommendations.
  • Staff presentations
  • Public/Organization presentations
  • Notices of motion
  • Voting on bylaw and policy changes

Committee of the Whole Meetings

The second meeting of the month is a Committee of the Whole meeting. These meetings allow Council members to ask questions and discuss issues in greater detail.

Committee of the Whole meetings help Council gather information and explore options before making decisions. Recommendations made during these meetings are brought forward to a subsequent Regular Council Meeting for Council to vote on.

Committee of the Whole meetings also include:

• Reports from department heads with departmental updates
• Presentations from partner organizations (such as the Cape Breton Partnership, Eastern District Planning Commission, Eastern Counties Regional Libraries, and the Atlantic Coastal Action Program) on a quarterly basis.

Public Feedback and Participation

When changes are proposed to a bylaw, such as introducing a new bylaw, repealing an existing one, or replacing a bylaw, the Municipality provides opportunities for public feedback.

Residents may submit feedback:

• In writing, or
• In person through an oral presentation at a Council meeting

Public feedback opportunities are advertised at least two weeks in advance through:

• Local newspapers
• The municipal website
• The municipal Facebook page

Following public input, Council may:

• Proceed with a vote, or
• Choose to further examine the proposed change before voting

Council Meeting Minutes

Minutes are recorded at every Council meeting. Minutes are approved at the following Council meeting and then posted online on the municipal website.

Request to Present to Council:

To make a request to appear as a delegation/presenter at a Council meeting, please fill out the Public Request to Present to Council Form.