Bilateral agreements in Canadian intergovernmental relations are formal agreements between two levels of government, typically the federal government and a single province or territory. Major infrastructure programs often flow through bilateral agreements where Ottawa and provinces negotiate funding terms, eligible projects, and administrative arrangements. Municipalities benefit from this funding but are usually not signatories to the agreements—they receive money through their province according to provincially-determined processes. This arrangement reflects constitutional realities but can frustrate municipalities who feel their needs are negotiated without direct representation at the table.