Overview

In Canada, as in many countries around the world, local government is a vital part of the broader political system. Local governments provide basic goods and services that sustain and enhance the well-being of citizens and the communities in which they live. These can range from waste disposal and road repair to social services and the maintenance of educational facilities. Local governments also play a significant role in the social and economic development of their communities. At the same time, they have an important representative function within a democratic society. Elected and appointed officials at the local level are ultimately responsible to the citizens of their communities and can be held accountable for their actions.

The following two courses of study provide an overview of local government structures and practices in Canada, with a particular focus on the experiences of local governments in British Columbia and the challenges facing communities in northern and remote regions. The first course, Local Government: Citizen Participation and Community Development, examines the basic institutional structures of local government, the connection between local governments and citizens, and the role that local governments and other local organizations play in community and economic development. The second course, Local Government: Finance and Budgeting, looks at the ways in which local governments manage the financial and budgetary resources at their disposal.

Contact: Dr. Gary Wilson, Asst. Professor
University of Northern BC, 1-250-960-5514