Government roles: MP, mayor, councillor and service staff
What is the difference between an MP, a mayor and a councillor?
An MP represents a federal constituency in the House of Commons. A mayor and councillors work at the municipal level; their powers depend on provincial or territorial law and the municipality. Service departments handle day-to-day requests. Use the responsible department for a transaction, and the representative’s office for a representation or policy enquiry.
Where to begin
- Identify whether the issue belongs to a federal department, your province or territory, or a local authority.
- For a public service request, begin with the responsible program or municipal service desk.
- For a representative enquiry, use the official MP, legislature or council directory.
- Check the local role description before assuming a mayor, councillor or office can decide a particular matter.
Before you open the official service
- The service or policy issue you want to discuss
- Your province or territory and municipality for local matters
- Whether you need a service transaction, an explanation or help raising a concern
Check the office’s current contact instructions before sending a message or visiting.
What to check for your situation
Roles and powers vary. Toronto is an example, not a description of every municipality. Contacting a representative does not replace an application or appeal and does not guarantee an outcome.
Names, contact details and office arrangements can change. Check the linked official directory for the current office holder and route.
Official sources
ourcommons.ca · Official websiteHouse of Commons — Key functions and roles of membersMembers of Parliament represent constituents; some also hold parliamentary roles such as Speaker, minister or parliamentary secretary.Checked 
toronto.ca · Official websiteCity of Toronto — About your local governmentIn Toronto, the mayor provides council leadership; councillors represent wards and help residents access city services. Toronto public-service divisions manage day-to-day city services. These descriptions are Toronto-specific; local powers and arrangements vary.Checked
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.