Alberta Municipal Affairs is the provincial government department that oversees local governments throughout Alberta, including cities, towns, villages, counties, and municipal districts. The department provides funding through grants, sets the legislative framework governing municipal operations, and can intervene when local governments face serious problems. Every Canadian province has an equivalent department because municipalities exist as 'creatures of the province'—they have only the powers that provincial legislation grants them. Alberta Municipal Affairs helps municipalities function effectively while ensuring they meet provincial standards and serve their residents well.