As a general rule, employment falls under provincial jurisdiction, as our Constitution recognizes that “local works and undertakings”, which includes employment, is within provincial power. However, the Constitution also recognizes that certain industries are of national importance or cross provincial borders, and therefore fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. Some industries recognized as falling under federal jurisdiction include:
Radio and television broadcasting;
Telecommunications;
Chartered Banks;
Airports and air transportation;
Shipping and navigation;
Interprovincial and international transportation (including trucking, rail and pipeline);
First Nations reserves;
The RCMP and the military; and
Federal government employees.