The province has announced a new online survey aimed at gauging public opinion on how local election processes and accountability might be improved, going forward.
As a level of government that impacts the day-to-day lives of urban and rural residents across the region and province, the workings of municipal councils and government is of interest to the community-at-large.
Whether the new survey will result in worthwhile changes to the Municipal Government Act and the Local Authorities Elections Act remains to be seen. What is known is that, when needed, improving and updating legislation governing local elections is in everyone’s best interest.
The 10-question survey runs until July 22 and asks for public input on a variety of topics, including candidate eligibility, codes of conduct for elected officials, privacy of voter information, and third party advertising rules.
It also covers the processes for recounts, councillor accountability, and election frameworks. The survey itself can be found on the provincial government website.
Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver says this new consultation initiative is all about ensuring public faith in the election processes for councillors and school board trustees.
“As is always the case, we continually work to improve our local elections so that Albertans can feel confident when entering a polling station,” said McIver. “I encourage all eligible Albertans to complete this short survey and have their say on how we can strengthen local democracy in Alberta.”
As well as the survey, the government will also be holding talks with elected officials on local councils, municipal administrators and municipal associations, McIver said.
Any potential changes coming out of the survey process could come before the legislature as early as fall 2020, he said.
Initiatives aimed at improving and strengthening democracy at the local level are certainly needed and welcome from time to time.
That said, residents here will be watching closely to ensure any proposed changes coming out of this new survey process are both fair and reasonable.
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Albertan.
