The term of office is the period between elections during which elected officials hold their positions. In Canada, municipal terms of office are set by provincial legislation, typically three or four years depending on province. Provincial and federal terms have maximum lengths (five years federally, four or five years provincially) though elections may be called earlier. Fixed election dates are now common, making term lengths predictable. Council terms affect planning horizons for major initiatives—short terms may discourage long-term thinking while longer terms provide more opportunity to implement strategies. Term limits restricting how many consecutive terms officials may serve exist in some jurisdictions but are not universal. Term length balances accountability (frequent elections) against effectiveness (time to accomplish goals).