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Commentary: Councils play vital roles

Municipal and school board elections coming up
opinion

With the 2021 Alberta municipal and school board elections now less than a year away, some incumbents and challengers are already starting to map out their respective plans.

And for those undecided about whether to run in the next election, the time to start considering their options has also arrived. 

Although municipal government and school boards are obviously smaller than provincial and federal governments in terms of budgets, the role councillors and trustees play are no less vital to the wellbeing of the community-at-large.

And with Alberta communities small and large, rural and urban, facing many, many challenges right now, there is a need as never before for dedicated and committed elected officials at the local level.

Key issues facing the province now and going forward include the COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term impacts, joblessness, and many other financial and budgetary pressures. 

The 2021 election will be different from past campaigns in several ways, including with the introduction of changes being made by the Jason Kenney UCP government.

One of those changes will restrict the amount of money third-party advertisers can accept from donors in municipal elections by setting a contribution limit of $30,000 per donor per third-party advertiser.

“Municipal and school board elections should be fair, transparent and inclusive,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Tracy Allard. “These changes will help minimize costs associated with holding elections. 

“The amendments are being brought forward now so municipalities and school boards have time to prepare for and comply with the new rules.”

Another change will see municipal elections held at the same time as a Senate vote or referendum.

The next Alberta municipal and school board election will be held on Oct. 18, 2021, with the nomination process beginning on Jan. 1, 2021.

For those considering running next October you should know full well that holding public office in Canada is both a privilege and an honour – and something that is absolutely vital to the safety and wellbeing of the community-at-large.

Dan Singleton is an editor with The Albertan.


Dan Singleton

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