In provincial-municipal relations, an inspector is a provincial official authorized to examine municipal operations, finances, and governance. Some provinces appoint inspectors when concerns arise about municipal administration—financial difficulties, governance failures, or complaints about management. Inspectors have powers to access records, interview staff and officials, attend meetings, and report findings to the province. Inspection may precede more serious provincial intervention and provides the province with information to determine appropriate responses. Inspector roles vary by province: some have standing inspection capacity, while others appoint inspectors only for specific situations. The threat of provincial inspection incentivizes municipalities to maintain proper administration. Inspector reports may recommend corrective actions, identify best practices municipalities should adopt, or support decisions about whether provincial intervention is necessary. The term "inspector" also applies to municipal staff (building inspectors, fire inspectors) conducting routine compliance work.