A provincial land use framework is a comprehensive system for coordinating land use planning across an entire province, setting broad direction that guides local planning decisions. Alberta's Land-use Framework, for example, divides the province into regions and establishes cumulative effects management and regional planning approaches. These frameworks address issues that cross municipal boundaries: environmental protection, resource development, urban growth, and agricultural land preservation. Provincial frameworks establish priorities and policies that municipal plans must align with, balancing local planning autonomy with province-wide interests. Other provinces have similar provincial policy statements or provincial planning regulations.