Page - 137 - in VULNERABLE - The Law, Policy and Ethics of COVID-19

137Municipal Power and Democratic Legitimacy in the Time of COVID-19 Conclusion In their responses to COVID-19, the role of municipalities in taking action to represent the interests of their local communities has never been so clear. Local governments are acting as stewards of local com- munities, including working cooperatively with other governments to provide support for the most vulnerable. In the early days of COVID- 19, provinces have generally reflected provincial respect for the local role. However, gaps have been exposed. To ensure a protected role within Canadian federalism, including securing enhanced funding tools for municipalities, provincial legislation must be amended to secure their responses to local emergencies and to raise revenue, par- ticularly for larger cities. Legislative design of emergency legislation can ensure that municipal responses are tailored to their local com- munities and do not conflict with provincial action.