Ontario has released the 2018 Candidates’ Guide for Ontario Municipal and School Board Elections outlining rules for candidates as described in the Municipal Elections Act and other legislation and regulations.
Since the last municipal election, the province has made changes to modernize municipal elections and increase transparency and accountability, increasing fairness for those looking to make a difference in their communities.
New rules for prospective candidates include:
– shortening the campaign period — candidates can now file their nominations between May 1 and July 27;
– collecting 25 signatures endorsing their nomination for candidates for municipal council in municipalities with more than 4,000 electors;
– increasing the limit for campaign contributions to a candidate from $750 to $1,200;
– limiting the amount that a candidate for municipal council and their spouse can contribute to the candidate’s own campaign; and
– banning campaign contributions to candidates from corporations and trade unions.
“Setting out clear municipal election rules is part of the government’s plan to support care, create opportunity and make life more affordable during this period of rapid economic change,” states a press release from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. The ministry states the plan includes a higher minimum wage and better working conditions, free tuition for hundreds of thousands of students, easier access to affordable child care, and free prescription drugs for everyone under 25, and 65 or over, through “the biggest expansion of medicare in a generation.”
“As a former city councillor, I understand the hard work and personal sacrifice that goes into running for municipal office and working to make a positive impact on your community. The 2018 candidates’ guide is a valuable resource for prospective candidates to ensure that they understand and follow the rules when presenting their ideas for improving their communities,” stated Bill Mauro, Minister of Municipal Affairs Bill Mauro.
The 2018 municipal elections will take place on October 22, 2018.
The municipal clerk is in charge of running local elections, and municipalities may have specific rules that candidates and voters must follow, the ministry advises. The ministry recommends citizens contact their municipal clerk if they have questions about the local election process.
