Menu
Housing & Communities Planning for the Future Death & Estates Health Older Adults Consumer Protection Non-Profit Organizations & Charities Debts & Credit Government & Government Agencies Courts & Legal Systems Crimes & Fines Victims Resources for Teachers Legal Information for Newcomers Family Law Saskatchewan Workplace Sexual Harassment (SHIFT) About PLEA Contact Us Search

Government & Government Agencies

The federal, provincial and municipal levels of government are responsible for many different things. They often create government agencies to perform specific tasks for them.

Government

In Canada, there are two primary levels of government. These are the federal and provincial governments. The federal government manages issues that cover all of Canada. This includes things like the criminal law and banking.

The provincial governments manage things that are specific to their province. This includes healthcare and education. Provinces also create municipalities, such as cities, towns and RMs, that are their own level of government. Provinces give municipalities responsibilities for things like fire protection and parking within their boundaries.

What is a Government Agency?

A government agency is an organization that is created by the government. It performs a specific task that the government has delegated to it. Common activities of these agencies include things like:

  • making decisions on disputes between individuals
  • providing services and programs
  • issuing licenses and permits
  • determining eligibility for certain programs or benefits
  • conducting investigations and imposing penalties or fines

These agencies often include the word “board”, “commission” or “tribunal” in their name. Examples of government agencies include:

  • Office of Residential Tenancies
  • Employment and Social Development Canada
  • Saskatchewan Government Insurance
  • Workers’ Compensation Board
  • Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission

A government agency, for example, might determine:

  • if you can have a driver's licence
  • if you will be compensated after a workplace injury
  • whether your landlord can keep your damage deposit after you move out

Government agencies have a duty to follow the law and to treat people fairly when making these decisions.

Dealing With Government Agencies

There are rules in place to ensure accountability and fairness in the decisions a government agency makes. Government agencies have a duty to follow the law and to treat people fairly.

Social Services: Financial Assistance

Income support may be available to eligible Saskatchewan residents who are otherwise unable to meet the basic cost of living.

eHealth Saskatchewan

eHealth Saskatchewan oversees health registries and vital statistics and establishes procedures for things like registering a birth or changing your name.

Employment Standards

Most employers and employees in Saskatchewan are governed by the Employment Standards set out in Part II of The Saskatchewan Employment Act. Each have rights and responsibilities under the Act.

Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is regulated throughout Saskatchewan with set standards to protect workers and help ensure their safety. Both employees and employers have responsibilities in this regard.

Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission is designed to protect the dignity, fundamental freedoms and equal rights of Saskatchewan citizens.

Taxation

All levels of government collect money through taxes to help cover the costs of delivering programs and services to the public.

Privacy & Freedom of Information

There are laws that protect the privacy of your personal information and laws that determine when and how you can access information in the hands of government.

The Regina Public Library and Saskatoon Public Library are hosting free Law Fair events during Saskatchewan Access to Justice Week to connect people with free legal information, assistance, and support. Attend to acquire legal knowledge and to broaden awareness of legal rights and responsibilities!

Free Law Fair Events in Regina and Saskatoon

Housing & Communities

Planning for the Future

Death & Estates

Health

Older Adults

Consumer Protection

Non-Profit Organizations & Charities

Debts & Credit

Courts & Legal System

Government & Government Agencies

Crimes & Fines

Victims

About PLEA

PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.