Federal

The Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo riding is a federal electoral district in the province of British Columbia, Canada, that has been represented in the House of Commons of Canada since 2004. Despite the large area covered, about three quarters of the population in this district live in the city of Kamloops. If you’re unsure what riding you live in, here’s a link to find out.

Provincial

The Kamloops-North Thompson and Kamloops Centre electoral districts (ridings) are two provincial electoral districts for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. If you’re unsure what riding you live in, here’s a link to find out.

Municipal

Kamloops is a city in south-central British Columbia, Canada, at the confluence of the two branches of the Thompson River near Kamloops Lake. With a population of 90,280, it is the largest community in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and the location of the regional district’s offices.

Levels of Government

Government

Canada has three levels of government:

  • federal
  • provincial or territorial
  • municipal (city)

Federal government

The Prime Minister heads the federal government based in Ottawa. It deals with national and international matters, such as:

  • mail
  • taxes
  • money
  • banking
  • shipping
  • railways
  • pipelines
  • telephones
  • criminal law
  • foreign affairs
  • national defence
  • employment insurance
  • Aboriginal lands and rights

Provincial and territorial governments

A Premier leads each province and territory.

The provincial and territorial governments have the power to change their laws and manage their own public lands. They are in charge of:

  • education
  • health care
  • road regulations

Municipal (City) governments

Mayors lead municipal governments.

Municipal governments run cities, towns or districts (municipalities). They are in charge of things, such as:

  • parks
  • parking
  • libraries
  • roadways
  • local police
  • local land use
  • fire protection
  • public transportation
  • community water systems

First Nations governance

Across the country, band councils govern First Nations communities. Band councils are similar to municipal governments. Band members elect the band council, which makes decisions that affect their local community.