Provincial-municipal consultation occurs when provincial governments seek input from municipalities before implementing policies, legislation, or programs that affect local governments. Effective consultation gives municipalities opportunity to share local perspectives, identify implementation challenges, and suggest modifications before policies are finalized. Consultation may happen through formal structures like provincial-municipal tables, through municipal associations like UBCM or AMO, or through direct engagement with affected municipalities. The quality and timing of consultation varies—municipalities sometimes complain they're consulted too late for meaningful input. Some provinces have formalized consultation requirements while others consult inconsistently.