Government Services:
There are four levels of government that affect the City of Oshawa. Each level has different responsibilities and powers.
- Federal Government
- Provincial Government
- Regional Government
- Local Municipal Government
Federal Government
Federal responsibilities include national concerns such as trade, defence, immigration, justice, postal services, etc. Revenues are raised through direct taxation (income taxes) and tariffs. Oshawa has two federal representatives (Oshawa Riding and Whitby-Oshawa Riding) in the 301 member House of Commons.
Provincial Government
Provincial responsibilities include the provision of social services, transportation, education, natural resources, health care, etc. Revenues are raised through indirect taxation (e.g., sales tax) and federal subsidies. Oshawa has representation from two electoral ridings (Oshawa Riding and Durham Riding) in the 103 member provincial legislature (Queen's Park).
Regional Government
Regional responsibilities include the provision of police services, water supply and distribution, sewage treatment, regional planning, health, social services, homes for the aged, emergency measures and economic development. In the year 2000, the Region formally took over the administration and operation of ambulance services, as well as greater responsibility for social housing. The Region of Durham was created by an Act of the Ontario Government and was established on January 1, 1974. The Region is a partnership of 8 area municipalities, covering over 2,471 square kilometres of rural and urban land, with a population of almost 500,000. The area municipalities elect a 28-member Regional Council. The Mayor and seven Regional Councillors represent the City of Oshawa on Regional Council. Regional Council meetings are held on alternate Wednesdays at the Region of Durham Headquarters. Through committees, Regional Council is responsible for overseeing and making decisions related to a number of services provided to the residents as noted above.
Local Municipal Government
Oshawa City Council. consists of the Mayor and ten Councillors, composed of seven Regional Councillors and three Local Councillors elected by ward. The Mayor is elected by general vote. The Standing Committees of City Council include the Strategic Initiatives Committee, the Development Services Committee and the Community Services Committee
City Council meetings are held on a three-week rotational basis on Mondays. The City of Oshawa provides services such as administration, licensing, tax collection, local planning, building inspection and permits, garbage collection, local streets and sidewalks, fire protection, parks and recreation, public transit and economic development.
