Amalgamation in The Local Government in Canada Essay

Amalgamation in The Local Government in Canada - Essay Example Studies were carried out that proved that Toronto would provide better services to its citizens while saving tax payers’ money. There were initially six municipalities, each with a single fire chief, but after the amalgamation, the result was one fire chief instead. The merger observed in Toronto had been proposed as a cost-saving measure. By the year 2000, the goal was attained when it was observed that the city had saved 136.2 million dollars per year resulting from the amalgamation. Several other municipalities were amalgamated, though with opposition from some critics. The opposition was, however, widely experienced in Toronto. Data carried out within the city showed that the majority of the citizens were against amalgamation. However, three years later, data from an interview carried out within the residents showed that majority of the citizens were satisfied with the newly amalgamated government (Emmanuel and Martin, 2010). Some of the benefits accrued to amalgamation at the municipal level for the citizens of Canada include reducing the number of officials elected and reduce duplication. Reducing the number of elected officials implies that tax payers’ money shall be put into a better use. This resulted to the government offering better services to its citizens. Cost was significantly reduced with amalgamation. At the same time, efficiency was streamlined and improved significantly. This was an advantage to the citizens since they experienced efficient services and transparent expenditure of the public money. Accountability was also improved. This is because it was evident to the citizens in what manner their money was spent. This resulted... Amalgamation in The Local Government in Canada The biggest issue of controversy among politicians and municipal administrators is whether or not municipals should be amalgamated into larger ones or should be left on their own devices. Municipal government refers to a local government that is created to provide services that are handled under a local control. The link between administration and policy making is supplied in municipal governments by a committee or a council. The number of committees that the municipal government creates depends on local priorities and circumstances. Canada has a federal system of governance, where responsibilities are divided between national or federal government and territorial and provincial governments. The division of powers evident in the Canada Government was set out in 1867 by the British North America Act (BNA Act). â€Å"One idea that all politicians of different stripes agree upon is that a bigger municipal government is better than a smaller one.† Though to the common citizens amalgamation has positive impacts, to the administrators and politicians who are directly affected, the effect may be negative. This is because as a result of reducing the size of a municipal, several politician and administrators lose their jobs. In conclusion, it is possible for one to predict the future of Canada. As far as the municipal government reorganization in Canada is concerned, it is debatable that the citizens shall continue enjoying good services form the government. The entire economy of Canada is expected to improve immensely.