A mayor is the elected head of a municipal council, serving as the chief elected official and public face of the municipality. Mayors are elected directly by voters in most Canadian municipalities, though some smaller communities have councils choose a mayor from among elected councillors. Mayoral powers vary by province and municipality but typically include chairing council meetings, representing the municipality externally, and providing leadership on policy direction. Mayors have one vote on council like other members but often hold additional powers over committee appointments, agenda setting, or emergency decisions. Strong mayor systems grant more executive authority, while weak mayor systems emphasize collective council decision-making.