A state of emergency occurs when any level of government assumes authority it does not generally possess to respond to a crisis.
This is done by invoking said authority under specific legislation, and permits the government to expend funds, mobilize forces, or suspend civil liberties.
The sole application has been: Historically, states of emergency have been declared by provinces for internal issues.
This changed during the COVID-19 pandemic where every province and territory made the declaration, opposing similar measures from the federal government.
In some provinces, like British Columbia, both exist and can grant specific authorities.