A national urban policy would be a comprehensive federal strategy recognizing cities' importance and coordinating federal programs affecting urban areas. While many countries have explicit national urban policies, Canada lacks a formal framework. Advocates, including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, argue that coordinated federal attention to urban issues, housing, transit, infrastructure, and economic development would improve outcomes compared to fragmented program-by-program approaches. Critics suggest urban matters are primarily provincial responsibility. Despite lacking formal policy, federal programs increasingly recognize urban challenges, and discussions continue about whether and how the federal government should adopt more systematic approaches to Canada's growing cities.