Government

Ontario's official heard of government is the lieutenant governor, appointed by the federal government to represent the British Crown. The lieutenant governor, however, has only nominal powers and can act only on the advice of the executive council, or cabinet, which is led by the premier.

The legislature is the single-house Legislative Assembly. It has 103 members elected by voters aged 18 years and older. Elections must be held at least once every four years. The premier and the executive council are chosen from members of the majority party (or coalition of parties) in the legislature and are responsible to it.

The provincial judiciary is headed by the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal hears cases on appeal from the Court of Justice. Lower courts include county, district, and division courts. Judges of the upper courts are appointed by the federal government; other judges are appointed by the province.

On the local government level, Ontario is divided into counties and metropolitan, regional, and district municipalities. These units of government are generally responsible for such matters as taxation, police protection, roads, and sanitation for the smaller units within their boundaries. The smaller constituent units—cities, towns, villages, or townships—usually provide the remaining services for their residents. The largely unsettled area of Ontario is under direct provincial control.

Ontario is represented in the Canadian Parliament by 24 senators and 99 members of the House of Commons.