Direct federal-municipal relationship refers to efforts by municipalities to establish direct working relationships and funding arrangements with the federal government, bypassing provincial intermediaries. While Canada's constitution places municipalities under provincial jurisdiction, cities increasingly engage with federal governments on issues like housing, infrastructure, immigration, and climate change that don't fit neatly into traditional divisions. Municipalities argue direct relationships enable faster decision-making, better targeting of urban needs, and recognition that cities drive economic growth. However, provinces generally resist this approach, asserting their constitutional responsibility for local government. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities advocates for municipal interests at the federal level. Infrastructure funding programs increasingly involve tripartite (federal-provincial-municipal) agreements, representing a middle ground while maintaining provincial involvement.