What areas does the federal government control?

• A. Federal - harbours/airports/fisheries/criminal matters/ national defense
• B. Provincial - property and civil rights, municipal affairs, institutions, education
• C. Municipal - pass by-laws
• D. International - treaties and trade

Answer: (A)

Powers are divided in Canada so matters affecting the whole country or crossing provincial lines fall to the federal government. The federal side includes national defense and criminal matters, which require nationwide uniformity and security. It also oversees harbours, airports, and fisheries because these are national infrastructure and resources that operate across provinces and involve interprovincial and international aspects. International relations, including treaties and trade, are federal as well, since they affect the country as a whole. Provinces, on the other hand, handle property and civil rights within their borders, municipal affairs, and education. Therefore, the items listed for the federal government—harbours, airports, fisheries, criminal matters, and national defense—are correctly under federal control.