CANDIDATE INFORMATION

Transcription

1 CANDIDATE INFORMATION Mayor and City Council GENERAL ELECTION Monday October 16, 2017 City of Lethbridge Lethbridge School District No. 51 Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No.4, Ward 2 For enquiries: Published: April 21, 2017

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3 Contents GENERAL INFORMATION...7 ELECTED OFFICES... 8 INFORMATION SOURCES... 9 VOTER IDENTIFICATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS LEGISLATION LOCAL AUTHORITIES ELECTION ACT MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT SCHOOL ACT FREEDOM OF INFORMATION & PROTECTION OF PRIVACY ACT THE CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES INELIGIBILITY EMPLOYEES OF A LOCAL JURISDICTION RUNINNING FOR OFFICE NOMINATION NOMINATION PAPERS FILING OF NOMINATION PAPERS EXAMINATION OF NOMINATION PAPERS QUALIFICATIONS OF ELECTORS WHO SIGN NOMINATION PAPERS FORM OF CANDIDATES NAME ON BALLOT CANDIDATE S ACCEPTANCE AND AFFIDAVIT WITHDRAWAL OF NOMINATION CANDIDATE S AGENTS & SCRUTINEERS APPOINTMENT OF AN OFFICIAL AGENT APPOINTMENT OF A SCRUTINEER AGENT OR SCRUTINEER ATTENDANCE AT MORE THAN ONE VOTING STATION NUMBER OF AGENTS AND SCRUTINTEERS PERMITTED CANDIDATE, AGENT, OR SCRUTINEER AT THE VOTING STATION AGENTS, SCRUTINEERS & INCAPACITATED ELECTORS INSTITUTIONAL VOTING STATIONS WHAT AN AGENT OR SCRUTINEER CAN DO DURING VOTING HOURS WHAT AN AGENT OR SCRUTINEER CAN DO AT THE COUNT

4 WHAT AN AGENT OR SCRUTINEER CAN NOT DO OBSERVATION ONLY WHY APPOINT AN OFFICIAL AGENT OR SCRUTINEER? IDENTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES AND CAMPAIGN WORKERS CAMPAIGN ADVERTISING AND MEDIA PROHIBITIONS ON THE USE OF A FORM OF A BALLOT CAMPAIGN ADVERTISING IN CITY HALL ADVERTISEMENT DISTRIBUTION ON ELECTION DAY INTERFERENCE WITH POSTED DOCUMENTS ELECTION SIGNS SIGNS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY LOCATION GUIDELINES SIGN DESIGN Removal of Signs Private Property Provincial Right of Ways SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FORUMS INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION ROLE OF THE MEDIA MEDIA CONTACT LIST FINANCES REGISTRATION OF CANDIDATES DEPOSIT FOR FILING NOMINATION PAPERS ALLOWABLE EXPENSES MUNICIPAL ELECTION FINANCE AND CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE FINANCIAL OFFICER CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS FOR MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES PUBLIC SCHOOL TRUSTEE CANDIDATES SEPARATE SCHOOL TRUSTEE CANDIDATES VOTING PROCEDURES ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE STUDENT VOTING

5 SCHOOL DISTRICTS VOTING TIME FOR EMPLOYEES ADVANCE VOTE MOBILE VOTING STATIONS ELECTION DAY VOTE RESULTS & COUNT UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OFFICIAL RESULTS RECOUNTS CANDIDATE OR AGENT RECOUNT REQUEST CANDIDATE NOTIFICATION OF A RECOUNT TIME AND LOCATION OF RECOUNT WHO CAN BE PRESENT AT THE RECOUNT RECOUNT PROCEDURES JUDICIAL REVIEW PROHIBITIONS & OFFENCES PROHIBITIONS OFFENCES MAYOR TERM OF OFFICE DUTIES REMUNERATION BENEFITS EXTENDED HEALTH CARE/DENTAL BENEFIT OPTIONS EXPENSES & ALLOWANCES COUNCIL MEETINGS: TIME COMMITMENT CITY COUNCIL ORIENTATION ATTENDANCE AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS COUNCILLOR TERM OF OFFICE VACANCIES

6 DUTIES REMUNERATION BENEFITS EXTENDED HEALTH CARE/DENTAL BENEFIT OPTIONS EXPENSES & ALLOWANCES COUNCIL MEETINGS: TIME COMMITMENT CITY COUNCIL ORIENTATION ATTENDANCE AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS TRUSTEE LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO TERM OF OFFICE VACANCIES DUTIES REMUNERATION IDEMNIFICATION POLICY OFFICE SPACE BOARD MEETINGS EXPENSE ALLOWANCE WHAT DO SCHOOL TRUSTEES DO? SCHOOL BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES ROLE OF THE TRUSTEE FOR MORE INFORMATION: FILING NOMINATION PAPERS TRUSTEE HOLY SPIRIT ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPERATE REGIONAL DIVISION N TERM OF OFFICE VACANCIES DUTIES REMUNERATION INDEMNIFICATION POLICY OFFICE SPACE BOARD MEETINGS EXPENSE ALLOWANCE

7 WHAT DO SCHOOL TRUSTEES DO? SCHOOL BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES ROLE OF THE TRUSTEE FOR MORE INFORMATON FILING NOMINATION PAPERS APPENDICES APPENDIX A VOTING SUBDIVISIONS MAP APPENDIX B CITY OF LETHBRIDGE BYLAW APPENDIX C SIGN RESTRICTIONS PLACEMENT MAPS APPENDIX D POLICY CC10 CITY COUNCIL REMUNERATION & BENEFITS APPENDIX E FORM 3A APPENDIX F FORM 3 MAYOR APPENDIX G FORM 3 COUNCILLOR APPENDIX H FORM 21 CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT APPENDIX I FORM 21 SELF-FUNDED CAMPAIGN VOLUNTARY STATEMENT (CITY)

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9 GENERAL INFORMATION The handbook is intended to provide candidates with information related to the election; however, candidates are responsible to ensure their campaigns are compliant with all legislation and bylaws related to the election. This handbook only serves as a supplement to the Municipal Government Act (MGA), the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA), the School Act and City Bylaws. Where references are made to legislation the specific legislation should be referred to for all purposes of interpreting and applying the law. Legislation quoted is current to April 19, Any updates to legislation will be posted to For questions related to the election please contact: Aleta Neufeld, Returning Officer , aleta.neufeld@lethbridge.ca ELECTION 2017 IMPORTANT DATES Nomination Day: Monday, September 18, :00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon City Hall, 2 nd Floor, Office of the City Clerk Advance Vote: Saturday, September 30, 2017 Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Saturday, October 7, 2017 Wednesday, October 11, 2017 Saturday, October 14, :00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mobile Voting: Thursday, October 5, 2017 Thursday, October 12, 2017 Election Day: Monday, October 16, :00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 7

10 ELECTED OFFICES THE CITY OF LETHBRIDGE Mayor and Councillor The positions of Mayor and Councillor are at-large elections, meaning that each person elected represents the City as a whole and not a particular ward or section of the City. The City has established voting subdivisions for the purpose of evenly distributing voting across the City (See Appendix). LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 Public School Trustee Elections for Public School Trustee are at-large elections, meaning that each person elected represents the City as a whole and not a particular ward or section of the City. The City of Lethbridge, on behalf of the Lethbridge Public School District, conducts these elections. The voting subdivisions are the same as those used for the election of Mayor and Councillor (See Appendix). HOLY SPIRT ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE REGIONAL DIVISION NO. 4. Ward 2 Catholic School Trustee (also referred to as Separate School Trustee) The Catholic School Trustee is a ward election. The boundary for the Catholic School District is broken into five wards. Residents of Lethbridge voting for Catholic School Trustee are in Ward 2, which includes the City as well as: some residents of the County of Warner who live near Raymond, Stirling and Craddock; some residents of the County of Lethbridge who live in Mountain Meadows and Sunset Acres; residents of the Town of Raymond, Town of Coalhurst, and the Village of Stirling. Detailed maps can be obtained from Lisa Palmarin, Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4. RETURNING OFFICER JURISDICTION The Returning Officer for the City of Lethbridge is responsible for conducting elections for the following offices: OFFICE JURISDICTION AUTHORITY Mayor City of Lethbridge City Bylaw Councillor City of Lethbridge City Bylaw Public School Lethbridge School Agreement Trustee District No.51 Catholic School Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Agreement Trustee Regional Division No. 4. Ward 2. 8

11 CONTACT INFORMATION: Aleta Neufeld Returning Officer Telephone: CONTACT INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL TRUSTEE: Public School Board Office Cheryl Gilmore Superintendent LeeAnne Tedder Executive Assistant Lethbridge School District No. 51 Lethbridge School District No Street South Street South Telephone: Telephone: Holy Spirit Catholic School Board Office Lisa Palmarin Secretary Treasurer Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 St. Basil Education Centre, Street 'B' North Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 2L7 Telephone: (403) PalmarinL@holyspirit.ab.ca INFORMATION SOURCES This handbook provides reference to provincial legislation. Candidates may obtain a copy of the Local Authorities Election Act, Municipal Government Act or School Act from the following source: The Queen s Printer, Main Floor, Park Plaza th Avenue NW Edmonton, ABs T5K 2P7 Telephone: qp@gov.ab.ca Website: 9

12 WEBSITE RESOURCES Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association Alberta Municipal Affairs Alberta School Boards Association Alberta Urban Municipalities Association City of Lethbridge Federation of Canadian Municipalities Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 Lethbridge School District No. 51 School District No. 51 Trustee Election Information PURPOSE, POWER, AND CAPACITY OF LOCAL JURISDICTIONS Within Canada there are three levels of government: Federal Elected Representatives referred to as Members of Parliament (MP) Provincial Elected Representatives referred to as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Municipal Elected Representatives referred to as Mayor, Councillors and Trustees. Individuals elected to the Federal and Provincial governments represent a particular political party with the party having the most elected representatives forming the government. Local government is not based on Party Politics. As outlined in the book Government and Politics in Alberta by A. Tupper/R. Gibbons and quoted hereafter, local government is a creation of the provincial government. Alberta s municipalities are legally subordinate to the provincial government as is the case of municipalities in all of the provinces. Under the Constitution Act, national and provincial governments have separate spheres of power with local government falling under the purview of the provinces. Thus, constitutionally a province can create, change, and abolish municipalities at will. 10

13 Section 53(1) Proof of elector eligibility (LAEA) Section 95(1)(ii) Declaration procedure (Election Act) VOTER IDENTIFICATION In order to vote in the upcoming municipal election, voters will be required to provide proof of their name and home address. The following type of verification meet the standard provincial requirement for one piece of identification: Photo identification issued by a Canadian government or agency, whether federal, provincial or local; Bank/credit card statement or personal cheque; Correspondence issued by a school, college or university; Government cheque or a cheque stub; Income/property tax assessment notice; Insurance policy or coverage card; Letter from a public curator, public guardian or public trustee; Pension Plan statement of benefits, contributions or participation; Residential lease or mortgage statement; Statement of government benefits: e.g. Employment insurance, old-age security, social assistance, disability support, or child tax benefit; Utility bill: e.g. Telephone, public utilities commission, television, electricity, gas or water; Vehicle ownership, registration or insurance certificate; or A letter or form (attestation) confirming that the person lives at the stated address. The letter can be signed by any of the following: o Authorized representatives of a commercial property management company; o Authorized representative of a correctional institution; o Authorized representative of a First Nations band or reserve; o Authorized representative of a post-secondary institution; o Authorized representative of a facility that provides services to the homeless; or o Authorized representative of a supportive living facility or treatment centre; If a voter s identification shows a post office box number as the address instead of a residential or legal address, it can be accepted as verification of current address if it is in reasonable proximity to the voting jurisdiction. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ABOUT VOTER IDENTIFICATON Do I need more than one document? No, only one document with your name and address is needed. What if all of my documents have a post office box address? That is OK. It will be accepted as verification of current address if it is in reasonable proximity to the voting jurisdiction. What if I don't have any accounts or documetns in my own name? Have your landlord, facility, or organization manager sign a letter or form (attestation) to confrim your address, and bring it with you to the voting station.the City of Lethbridge has these available online at lethbridge.ca/election. 11

14 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Who can vote? Any citizen is considered to be an elector and is eligible to vote, if they meet the following: at least 18 years old; a Canadian citizen; has resided in Alberta for the six (6) consecutive months immediately preceding Election Day; and a resident of the City on Election Day. 2. Will I require identification? Yes, in accordance with section 53(1) of the Local Authorities Election Act (Proof of Elector Eligibility and section 95(1)(a)(ii) of the Election Act (Declaration Procedure) in order to vote an elector must produce one piece of authorized identification that establishes both the elector s name and current address. 3. When a person decides they want to be a Mayor, a Councillor, or a member of the School Board, what do they do? They visit the Office of the City Clerk/Returning Officer to see if they meet the following qualifications: Eligible to vote in that election, Has been a resident of the local jurisdiction for the six (6) consecutive months immediately preceding Nomination Day, and Is not otherwise ineligible or disqualified. Some of the reasons a person would be disqualified would be if they: Are the auditor of the City, Are an employee of the City, unless they are on a leave of absence, Is indebted to the municipality of which the person is an elector for taxes in default exceeding $50, Are indebted to the local jurisdiction for which the election is to be held for any debt exceeding $500 and in default for more than 90 days, Have been convicted of an elections offence within the last 10 years. A person is not eligible to be nominated for more than one office of City Council. It is not possible to have the same name on the ballot for the position of Mayor and the position of Councillor. However, you can run for Councillor and the School Board. 12

15 4. When can I start campaigning as for a municipal election? Candidates can begin their campaign at any point, however, prior to collecting any campaign contributions, all candidates must, under section of the Local Authorities Election Act, register as a municipal candidate within the municipality they intend to run for. School Board candidates are not required to register before campaigning for election. 5. How do you become a candidate? The candidate picks up the nomination form from the Office of the City Clerk/Returning Officer, fills out the form and has five (5) or more electors sign the nomination form. On the form, each candidate prints their name as they wish it to appear on the ballot. Any person who signs a nomination paper must be eligible to vote. Nomination papers must be filed with the Office of the City Clerk/Returning Officer between 10:00 am and Noon on Monday, September 18, 2017 (Nomination Day). A person has twenty-four (24) hours after that to change their mind, and then the Returning Officer prepares the ballots from the nomination papers. Once in a while, it happens that only enough people submit nomination papers to fill the number of seats on a City Council or Board. In that case, every person who filed papers is declared elected. 6. How often are municipal elections held? Every four years on the third Monday in October. This year the election takes place on Monday, October 16, How many positions are there for each office? Mayor One (1) Councillor Eight (8) Public School Trustee Seven (7) Separate School Trustee Five (5) Five Trustees from Ward 2 (City of Lethbridge, Raymond, Stirling, Coalhurst, Mountain Meadows, Sunset Acres, Craddock and portions of the County of Lethbridge and portions of the County of Warner) 13

16 8. Does the City of Lethbridge have a ward system? No, the City does not have a ward system. The City has an at large system which means that each member of City Council represents the city as a whole and not a particular neighbourhood. 9. Do we have a voter's list? There is no voter's list for the local election. 10. Who can vote at the Advance Vote? Any elector can vote at the Advance Vote, even if they are available to vote on Election Day. 11. Where do I vote on Election Day? An elector must vote in the voting subdivision in which they live on the day of the election. A tool, Where Do I Vote on the City website will assist the elector to determine where that location is. 12. How are ballots counted? Ballots are counted by a voting tabulator. 13. When may signs be posted on public property? Signs are permitted on public property after Monday, September 4, When may signs be posted on private property? Signs are permitted on private property anytime provided permission is obtained from the property owner. 14

17 LEGISLATION Section 153 General duties of councillors (MGA) LOCAL AUTHORITIES ELECTION ACT The Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) governs the election of persons to office in local jurisdictions in the Province of Alberta, including the City of Lethbridge, Lethbridge School District No. 51, and Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4. Passages wherein reference is made to the LAEA, a reference citation will be placed in the left hand margin beside the text. Unless otherwise stated, all references to legislation are from the LAEA. It is recommended that candidates obtain a copy of the legislation for their use. The LAEA is available in paper or electronic version. It may be purchased on-line or downloaded from the Alberta Queen s Printer at MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT The Municipal Government Act (MGA) governs the ideas and initiatives that define how every Alberta municipality functions, develops, and raises funds for the services and operations they undertake. Under the MGA, City Council s responsibilities are to: Consider the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole during their term of office, Develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the Municipality, Obtain information about the operation or administration of the Municipality from the City Manager, Participate in council meetings and council committee meetings as required, Deal with anything specifically required by statute, Keep in confidence matters discussed in private at a council or council committee meeting until discussed at a meeting held in the public. Section 3 Municipal purpose (MGA) The purpose of a municipality are (a) to provide good government, (b) to provide services, facilities or other things that, in the opinion of council are necessary or desirable for all or a part of the municipality, and, (c) to develop and maintain safe and viable communities. Section 60 Powers of boards (School Act) SCHOOL ACT (1) a board must (a) Establish policies respecting the provision of educational services and programs. 15

18 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION & PROTECTION OF PRIVACY ACT The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) aims to strike a balance between the public's right to know and the individual's right to privacy as related to information in the custody or under the control of The City. The law proclaimed in October 1995 took effect for School Boards as of September 1, 1998 and for municipalities as of October 1, Section 2 Purposes of this Act (FOIP) It establishes regulations relating to access of information held by a public body. Secondly, the Act sets out regulations relating to the collection, use, protection and disclosure of personal information. The five principles of the Act are outlined in Section 2 as follows: (a) To allow a right of access to any person to the records in the custody or control of a public body subject only to limited and specific exceptions. (b) To control the manner in which a public body may collect personal information and to control the use the public body may make of the information; and to control the disclosure by a public body of that information. (c) To allow individuals, subject to limited and specific exceptions, the right to have access to information about themselves which is held by the public body. (d) To allow individuals the right to request corrections to information about themselves held by a public body. (e) To provide an independent review of decisions made by a public body under the legislation. For more information regarding FOIP and how it relates to you, contact the City of Lethbridge FOIP Coordinator at

19 THE CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES A candidate for election to the local office in Lethbridge must be a qualified elector. Section 21 Qualification of Candidates (LAEA) (1) A person may be nominated as a candidate in any election under this Act if on nomination day the person (a) is eligible to vote in that election, (b) has been a resident of the local jurisdiction and the ward, if any, for the 6 consecutive months immediately preceding nomination day, and (c) is not otherwise ineligible or disqualified. There is a requirement for a candidate to live within the local jurisdiction. If seeking a Ward office for the Holy Spirit Separate Regional Division No. 4, there is no requirement to live within the Ward. However, the candidate must reside within the School Division boundary. Section 44(4) Resident student (School Act) (4) Where a separate school district is established, an individual residing within the boundaries of the separate school district who is of the same faith as those who established that district, whether Protestant or Roman Catholic. INELIGIBILITY Section 22 Ineligibility (LAEA) (1) A person is not eligible to be nominated as a candidate in any election under this Act if on nomination day (a) the person is the auditor of the local jurisdiction for which the election is to be held; (b) the person is an employee of the local jurisdiction for which the election is to be held unless the person is on a leave of absence granted under this section; (c) the person is indebted to the municipality of which the person is an elector for taxes in default exceeding $50, excluding from that amount (i) any indebtedness for current taxes, and (ii) any indebtedness for arrears of taxes for which the person has entered into a consolidation agreement with the municipality, unless the person is in default in the payment of any money due under the agreement; (d) the person is indebted to the local jurisdiction for which the election is to be held for any debt exceeding $500 and in default for more than 90 days; (d.1) the person has, within the previous 10 years, been convicted of an offence under this Act, the Election Act or the Canada Elections Act (Canada) (1.1) A person is not eligible to be nominated as a candidate for election as a trustee of a school board if on nomination day the person is employed by (a) a school district or division, (b) a charter school, or (c) a private school, in Alberta unless the person is on a leave of absence granted under this section. 17

20 (3) Subsection (1)(b) to (d) do not apply to a candidate for election as a trustee of a school board. (4) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person by reason only (a) that the person is a shareholder in a corporation having a contract or dealings with the local jurisdiction or elected authority for which the election is being held, (i) unless the person holds or there is held by the person and the person s spouse, or adult interdependent partner, parents, children, brothers and sisters more than 25% of the issued capital stock of the corporation, or (ii) unless the contract or dealings are for the building or construction of a public work of the local jurisdiction; (b) that the person has a contract with the local jurisdiction for the supplying to the person, the person s spouse or adult interdependent partner or child of a service, utility or commodity that the local jurisdiction has statutory authority to supply; (c) that the person holds an interest in a publication (i) in which official advertisements of the local jurisdiction appear, or (ii) that is supplied to the local jurisdiction at the usual rates; (d) that the person sells or leases to the local jurisdiction land or interest in land that the local jurisdiction has authority to expropriate; (e) that the person supplies goods, merchandise or services to the local jurisdiction or to persons contracting with the local jurisdiction if they are supplied at competitive prices and in the ordinary course of the person s business or profession; (f) that the person renders (i) services to indigents who are residents of the local jurisdiction and for which the local jurisdiction is or may become liable to pay, or (ii) services for which the local jurisdiction has provided a subsidy; (g) that the person is appointed to a position under the Emergency Management Act; (h) that the person has rendered professional services as a lawyer to the local jurisdiction, if the fees for the services have been taxed under the Alberta Rules of Court; (i) that the person has received a gratuity or allowance for services on a committee or board appointed by or responsible to the local jurisdiction; (j) that the person is a member of an association under the Rural Utilities Act or is a member of a cooperative under the Cooperatives Act; (k) that the person is a vendor, purchaser, assignor or assignee of land bought or sold under the Agriculture Financial Services Act; (l) that the person is a party to a contract for the purchase or lease of real or personal property from the local jurisdiction entered into before nomination day; (m) that the person is a volunteer chief, official or member of a fire, ambulance or emergency measures organization established by a local jurisdiction or that the person is a volunteer for another purpose who performs duties under the direction of the local jurisdiction. (5) An employee of a municipality who wishes to be nominated as a candidate in an election to be held for that municipality may notify his or her employer on or after July 1 in the year 18

21 of a general election or on or after the day the council passes a resolution to hold a byelection but before the employee s last working day prior to nomination day that the employee is taking a leave of absence without pay under this section. (5.1) An employee referred to in subsection (1.1) who wishes to be nominated as a candidate for election as a trustee of a school board may notify his or her employer on or after July 1 in the year of an election but before the employee s last working day prior to nomination day that the employee is taking a leave of absence without pay under this section. (6) Notwithstanding any bylaw, resolution or agreement of a local jurisdiction, every employee who notifies his or her employer under subsection (5) or (5.1) is entitles to a leave of absence without pay. (7) An employee who takes a leave of absence under this section is subject to the same conditions that apply to taking a leave of absence without pay for any other purpose. (8) If an employee who takes a leave of absence under this section is not elected, the employee may return to work, in the position that employee had before the leave commenced, on the 5 th day after election day or, if the 5 th day is not a working day, on the first working day after the 5 th day. (9) If an employee who takes a leave of absence under this section is declared elected, the employee is deemed to have resigned that position as an employee the day the employee takes the official oath of office as an elected official. (10) If an employee who takes a leave of absence under this section is declared elected but, after a recount under Part 4, is declared not to be elected, the employee may return to work on the first working say after the declaration is made, and subsections (7) and (8) apply. (11) Subject to subsection (12), an employee who takes a leave of absence under this section and is declared elected continues to be deemed to have resigned that position as an employee if the employee subsequently forfeits the elected office or if the employee s election is adjudged invalid. (12) If, through no act or omission of the employee, an employee forfeits the elected office or the employee's election is adjudged invalid, the employee may return to work on the first working day after the office is forfeited or the election is adjudged invalid, and subsections (7) and (8) apply. Section 23 Ineligibility for Nomination (LAEA) (1) A person is not eligible to be nominated for more than one office of the same elected authority. (2) A member who holds office on an elected authority is not eligible to be nominated for or elected to the same or any other office on the elected authority (a) unless the member s term of office is expiring, or (b) if the member s term of office is not expiring, unless the member has resigned that office effective 18 days or more before nomination day. 19

22 EMPLOYEES OF A LOCAL JURISDICTION RUNINNING FOR OFFICE Employees are not eligible for nomination to office of the municipality unless the employee is on a leave of absence without pay as described in the Local Authorities Election Act. Section 22 Ineligibility (LAEA) The provisions for an employee to take a leave of absence without pay and be nominated for an office in the jurisdiction apply to employees of the City of Lethbridge, the Lethbridge School Division No. 51, and the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No

23 NOMINATION Nomination Day Monday, September 18, 2017 Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon In the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 2 nd Floor, th Avenue South, Lethbridge. Section 26 Nomination Day (LAEA) Nomination day shall be 4 weeks before Election Day NOMINATION PAPERS The prescribed Nomination Papers for the Offices of Mayor and Councillor are only available from the Office of the City Clerk. Nomination Papers for the Lethbridge School District No. 51 board trustees are available from the Office of the City Clerk as well as from the School Board Office, located at Street South. Nomination Papers for Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 are available from the Office of the City Clerk as well as from the School Board Office located at St. Basil Education Centre, Street B North. Section 27 Form of nomination (LAEA) Persons signing a candidate s nomination paper must be eligible electors (i.e. 18 years of age, Canadian Citizen, a resident of Alberta for the six consecutive months immediately preceding Election Day, and are a resident of the area on Election Day). Electors signing the nomination paper for a candidate must also be a resident of the same jurisdiction of the election. Note: The City of Lethbridge and School Boards DO NOT require the candidates to pay a deposit. To ensure that sufficient eligible electors have signed the nomination form, it is recommended that you have more than the required number sign the form. Space is provided for this purpose on the reverse side of the Nomination Form. 21

24 Section 28 Nominations (LAEA) FILING OF NOMINATION PAPERS The Returning Officer will receive nominations in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, th Avenue South between the 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon on Nomination Day, Monday September 18, All candidates for office must file their Nomination Papers during this two hour period. Nominations cannot be filed in advance nor be accepted after 12 Noon. The clock in the Mayor s Office will determine the time of opening and closing of nominations. Individuals being nominated are responsible to ensure the nomination papers meet the prescribed form as laid out by Section 27 of the Local Authorities Election Act. Note: Note: Note: Nomination papers for Lethbridge School District No. 51 and the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division must be filed at the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall. Alberta Municipal Affairs, which is responsible for the Local Authorities Election Act, has stated that facsimile transmission of Nomination Papers is NOT acceptable. The Local Authorities Election Act provides that if you are unable to personally attend, any person may file your appropriately signed and commissioned Nomination Paper with the Returning Officer on Nomination Day; however, the candidate is the person responsible for ensuring the nomination paper is completed properly. Section 28 Nominations (LAEA) EXAMINATION OF NOMINATION PAPERS Completed Nomination Papers for the Mayor, Councillor, Separate School Trustee, and Public School Trustee are available for inspection by qualified electors of the jurisdiction at any time after 12:00 Noon on nomination day to the end of the term of office for which the nomination papers were filed, during the office hours and in the presence of the Returning Officer at the Office of the City Clerk, 2 nd Floor, City Hall. Section 47 Eligibility to Vote (LAEA) QUALIFICATIONS OF ELECTORS WHO SIGN NOMINATION PAPERS It is important that a person(s) signing a candidates Nomination Paper must be an eligible elector on the day of signing. Eligible electors are at least 18 years of age, Canadian Citizens, and are a resident of Alberta for the 6 consecutive months immediately preceding Election Day, and resides in the area on Election Day. 22

25 Reminder Persons signing the Nomination Papers must be a resident in the local jurisdiction on the date of signing the Nomination Papers. To ensure validity of their Nomination Papers, a candidate should submit more than the required FIVE (5) eligible electors signatures. FORM OF CANDIDATES NAME ON BALLOT The candidate s name, as it appears in the Candidate s Acceptance portion of the Nomination Paper, is to be printed in the same manner as the name will appear on the ballot. Nicknames are acceptable on the ballot. Titles such as Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms., are not acceptable. CANDIDATE S ACCEPTANCE AND AFFIDAVIT The candidate s affidavit at the bottom of the Nomination Paper may be completed before a Commissioner for Oaths in advance of Nomination Day. A Commissioner for Oaths service is provided, free of charge, at the Office of the City Clerk. Proof of identification in the form of picture I.D. is required by the Commissioner for Oaths. The affidavit states that the candidate has read Sections 21, 22, 23, 27, 47, 68.1, , 147.2, and 151 of the Local Authorities Election Act and Section 44(4) of the School Act (if applicable) and understands their contents. Section 32 Withdrawal of Nomination (LAEA) WITHDRAWAL OF NOMINATION A candidate who files Nomination Papers on Nomination Day has 24 hours in which to withdraw their name. This withdrawal must be filed in writing with the Returning Officer at the Office of the City Clerk before Noon on Tuesday, September 19, A facsimile withdrawal is not permitted. Withdrawals will not be accepted if the candidate has been declared elected by acclamation or of the withdrawal would result in insufficient nominations. After the 24 hour period, a candidate s name will appear on the ballot. Withdrawals desired after this point are handled by the candidate. However, the name remains on the ballot. 23

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27 CANDIDATE S AGENTS & SCRUTINEERS Section 68.1 Official Agent (LAEA) Section 69 Candidate s Scrutineer (LAEA) APPOINTMENT OF AN OFFICIAL AGENT Candidates may appoint an elector as their official agent. Candidates will identify their official candidate on the nomination form. If it becomes necessary to appoint a new official agent, the candidate shall immediately notify the Returning Officer in writing of the contact information of the new official agent. Electors who have been convicted of an offence under this Act, the Election Act or the Canada Elections Act in the last 10 years, are not eligible to be an official agent. No candidate shall be eligible to become an official agent for another candidate. An official agent s duties shall be those assigned by the candidate. APPOINTMENT OF A SCRUTINEER Candidates may either personally or by way of an official agent or scrutineer, observe the election process at one or more of the voting stations. Candidates are permitted to appoint persons over the age of 18 to act as their scrutineers at the voting stations on Election Day. The scrutineer must present the accepted form, Appointment of Candidate Scrutineer, signed by the candidate, to the presiding deputy at the voting station. In addition, they are to sign another form, Statement of Scrutineer Form 10, at the voting station. The following process shall be followed: (1) If, at any time during voting hours, a person who is at least 18 years old presents to the presiding deputy a written notice, in a form acceptable to the returning officer, (a) signed by a candidate, and (b) stating that the person presenting the notice is to represent that candidate as the candidate's scrutineer at the voting station, the person presenting the notice shall be recognized by the presiding deputy as the scrutineer of the candidate. (1.1) A person who has, within the previous 10 years, been convicted of an offence under this Act, the Election Act or the Canada Elections Act (Canada) is not eligible to be recognized as a scrutineer. (2) Before a person is recognized as a scrutineer, the person shall make and subscribe before the presiding deputy at the voting station a statement in the prescribed form. (3) The presiding deputy shall not permit a candidate to have an official agent or a scrutineer present while the candidate is present in a voting station during voting hours. (3.1) The presiding deputy shall not permit a candidate to have both an official agent and a scrutineer present at the same time in a voting station during voting hours. 25

28 (4) A candidate or official agent personally may (a) undertake the duties that the candidate's scrutineer may undertake, and (b) attend any place that the candidate's scrutineer is authorized by this Act to attend. (5) The presiding deputy may designate the place or places at a voting station where a candidate, an official agent or a scrutineer of a candidate may observe the election procedure, and in designating the place or places, the presiding deputy shall ensure that the candidate, official agent or scrutineer can observe any person making a statement under section 53(1)(b) or (2), 77 or 78. (6) When, in the provisions of this Act that relate to the election of a member of an elected authority, expressions are used requiring or authorizing an act or thing to be done or implying that an act or thing is to be done in the presence of an official agent, a scrutineer or a candidate, the expression is deemed to refer to the presence of those an official agents and scrutineers (a) that are authorized to attend, and (b) that have in fact attended at the time and place where that act or thing is being done, and if the act or thing is otherwise properly done, the non-attendance of an official agent or a scrutineer at that time and place does not invalidate it. Section 53 Proof of Eligibility (LAEA) Section 78 Incapacitated Elector at Voting Station (LAEA) (1) Every person who attends at a voting station for the purpose of voting must be permitted to vote (b) if the person makes a statement in the presence of an officer at the voting station, in the prescribed form, that the person is eligible to vote as an elector and produces for inspection the following proof of the person s identity and current residence and, where required by a bylaw passed under subsection (3), age: (1) The deputy, at the request of an elector who is incapacitated by blindness or another physical condition from marking the elector s ballot in the usual manner, shall mark the vote of that elector on the elector s ballot in the manner directed by that elector, and shall immediately deposit the ballot in the ballot box. (2) The deputy shall not act under subsection (1) until the elector has made the prescribed statement. (3) The deputy, if requested by an elector described in subsection (1) who is accompanied by a friend or relative who is at least 18 years of age, shall permit that friend or relative, on making the prescribed statement, to accompany the elector into a voting compartment for the purpose of marking the elector s ballot and the ballot when marked shall be delivered by the elector or the friend or relative to the deputy to be deposited in the ballot box. 26

29 (4) The deputy shall not permit an elector to vote under subsection (3) until the elector and the elector s friend have made the prescribed statements. (5) If an elector who is blind is not accompanied by a friend into a voting compartment under subsection (3), the deputy must, if requested by the elector at least 3 months before election day, (a) provide the elector with a blind voter template in the prescribed form, and (b) instruct the elector in its use. (5.1) If an elector is physically unable to enter a voting compartment, the deputy may set up a voting compartment for the elector elsewhere in the voting station or at the closest point of access to the voting station that the elector is able to attend. (6) No candidate, official agent or scrutineer shall be present in the voting compartment at the marking of a ballot under this section. (7) When a ballot has been marked pursuant to this section, the deputy shall enter in the voting register opposite the name of the voter and in the appropriate column either voter assistance or template. AGENT OR SCRUTINEER ATTENDANCE AT MORE THAN ONE VOTING STATION Agents and scrutineers may attend more than one location for a candidate during voting hours. Each scrutineer requires only one Appointment of Candidate s Scrutineer from the candidate when attending more than one voting station on behalf of the candidate. The scrutineer retains the appointment form and uses it at each voting station. In addition, they will be required to complete and to sign the Statement of Scrutineer Form 10 for each station they attend. Section 69 Candidate s Scrutineer (LAEA) NUMBER OF AGENTS AND SCRUTINTEERS PERMITTED The presiding deputy shall not permit a candidate to have more than one agent or scrutineer present at any time in a voting station during voting hours. Candidates, agents, and their scrutineers may visit as many or as few voting stations as they wish during election hours. The candidate is not permitted to be in the voting station at the same time as either the official agent or a scrutineer during voting hours. CANDIDATE, AGENT, OR SCRUTINEER AT THE VOTING STATION The presiding deputy is mandated to maintain the peace and order at the voting station and may designate the place from where a candidate, an official agent or a scrutineer of a candidate may observe the election process. 27

30 Section 55 Secrecy of Vote (LAEA) (1) Voting shall be by secret ballot. (2) While an elector is in a voting compartment for the purpose of marking the elector's ballot, no other person may, except as permitted in section 78, enter the voting compartment or be in a position from which the person can see how the elector marks the elector's ballot. (3) Except as provided in section 78, it is an offence for an elector to show the elector's ballot to any person so as to allow the elector's vote to be known. (4) Notwithstanding subsections (2) and (3), an elector may be accompanied in a voting compartment by a minor if the deputy consents. Section 69 Candidate s scrutineer (LAEA) (5) The presiding deputy may designate the place or places at a voting station where a candidate, an official agent or a scrutineer of a candidate may observe the election procedure, and in designating the place or places, the presiding deputy shall ensure that the candidate, official agent or scrutineer can observe any person making a statement under section 53(1)(b) or (2), 77 or 78. Section 78 Incapacitated Elector at Voting Station (LAEA) AGENTS, SCRUTINEERS & INCAPACITATED ELECTORS Candidates, their official agents, and their scrutineers are not allowed to act as a friend of an incapacitated elector and assist in marking the ballot for the elector. (6) No candidate, official agent or scrutineer shall be present in the voting compartment at the marking of a ballot under this section INSTITUTIONAL VOTING STATIONS Candidates, their official agents, and scrutineers are permitted to be present at institutional voting stations, i.e. hospitals, auxiliary hospitals, nursing homes, and lodges. However, they may not accompany the deputy when a bed to bed vote is being conducted. Only one representative for each candidate (whether it be the candidate themselves, the official agent, or a scrutineer) may be present at one time. Section 81 Attendance at an institutional vote (LAEA) (1) If an institutional vote is provided for, the returning officer shall fix the times on election day at which the votes in the institutions shall be taken, and the presiding deputies, accompanied by candidates, official agents and scrutineers, if present, and by an official of the institution, if available, shall take the votes of any of those patients and residents who express a desire to vote. (2) Despite subsection (1), candidates and a candidate s official agent and scrutineer may attend an institutional vote only if the vote is conducted at a fixed location in a public area of the institution and may not attend voting conducted in the room of a resident of the institution. 28

31 (3) Despite subsection (1), the presiding deputy shall not permit a candidate to have an official agent or a scrutineer present while the candidate is present at an institutional vote. (4) Despite subsection (1), a candidate may not have both an official agent and a scrutineer attend an institutional vote at the same time. WHAT AN AGENT OR SCRUTINEER CAN DO DURING VOTING HOURS The official agent or scrutineer is permitted to observe the election procedures except for the marking of a ballot by an elector. The official agent or scrutineer may make objections to an elector being permitted to vote. The deputy looking after the voting register and issuing ballots will record the objection and reasons; however, the elector is allowed to cast a vote. Section 54 Person objected to (LAEA) (1) If a candidate or the candidate s official agent or scrutineer objects to a person who makes a statement, a deputy shall note in the voting register the reason for the objection and the name of the candidate or official agent or scrutineer making the objection and shall initial the objection. (1.1)A candidate, official agent or scrutineer may only make an objection under subsection (1) at the time the person makes the statement under section 53(1)(b) or (2), 77 or 78. WHAT AN AGENT OR SCRUTINEER CAN DO AT THE COUNT Candidates, their official agent, or their scrutineer may sign that Ballot Account, Form 13, Alberta Election Forms Regulation. This form is the official result of the count of the ballots at the voting station. Section 89 Signatures to ballot account (LAEA) (1) The ballot account shall be signed by at least 2 deputies involved in the count and may be signed by those of the candidates or their official agents or scrutineers present who desire to sign it. Note: Counting of Ballots for the City of Lethbridge, the Public and Separate School districts is done by voting tabulator. 29

32 WHAT AN AGENT OR SCRUTINEER CAN NOT DO Official agents and scrutineers are not permitted to participate in the election process at a voting station, other than cast their own vote as an eligible elector at their voting subdivision. They are not permitted to handle forms or ballots used in the process. This applies during voting hours and during the count. OBSERVATION ONLY Candidates and their agents should be familiar with the following prohibitions and offences: Section 150 Offence (LAEA) (1) Every returning officer, deputy, constable, official agent and scrutineer in attendance at a voting station shall maintain and aid in maintaining the secrecy of the voting at the voting station. (2) No person shall interfere with or attempt to interfere with an elector when the elector is marking the elector's ballot, or shall otherwise attempt to obtain at the voting station information as to which candidate or candidates any elector at that voting station is about to vote or has voted for. (3) No person shall (a) during the hours when a voting station is open, canvass or solicit votes in a building where the voting station is located, or (b) make any communication to an elector in a voting station respecting the election otherwise than through the deputy. (4) When a voting station is located in a building containing a complex of interlocking offices, stores or other facilities, the prohibition in subsection (3) applies only to the store, office or facility comprising the area used as a voting station. (5) No person shall display at the voting station or distribute or post in it a specimen ballot paper marked for a candidate or any other material purporting to explain to the electors how to vote or leave or post a ballot or other material in a voting compartment other than the material that is required to be posted in accordance with this Act. (6) No person shall communicate at any time to any person any information obtained at a voting station as to which candidate any elector at that voting station is about to vote or has voted for. (7) No returning officer, deputy, official agent or scrutineer in attendance at the counting of the votes shall communicate or attempt to communicate any information obtained at that counting as to which candidate or candidates any vote is given for. (8) No person shall directly or indirectly induce an elector to display the elector's ballot, after the elector has marked it, so as to make known to any person the 30

33 name of any candidate for whom the elector has or has not marked the elector's ballot. (9) A person who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $5000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both fine and imprisonment. WHY APPOINT AN OFFICIAL AGENT OR SCRUTINEER? Candidates appoint officials agents and scrutineers to observe the election procedures on their behalf. IDENTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES AND CAMPAIGN WORKERS Section 52 of the Local Authorities Election Act makes a provision for candidates, official agents, and campaign workers to access buildings containing two or more residences and residents of a mobile home park. Any person desiring access to these premises shall be required to have identification. To comply with this legislation, candidates and official agents are required to complete Enumerator, Candidate or Official Agent Proof of Identification for Section 52 Access, Form 7A. This must be completed at the Office of the City Clerk in City Hall. Campaign workers are required to complete Campaign Worker Proof of Identification, Form 7B. These are signed by the Candidate and are not completed at the Office of the City Clerk. Section 52 Access for enumerators and campaigners (LAEA) A person to whom an enumerator, a candidate, an official agent or a campaign worker on behalf of a candidate has produced identification that meets the requirements of the regulations, indicating that the person is an enumerator, a candidate, an official agent or a campaign worker shall not (a) obstruct or interfere with, or (b) cause or permit the obstruction or interference with, the free access of the enumerator, candidate, official agent or campaign worker to each residence in a building containing 2 or more residences or to each residence in a mobile home park. 31

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35 CAMPAIGN ADVERTISING AND MEDIA Section 148 Prohibitions (LAEA) PROHIBITIONS ON THE USE OF A FORM OF A BALLOT Candidates are not allowed to use a facsimile or representation of the ballot produced for Election Day in their advertising. The use of only the candidate s name and a mark beside it does not constitute a form of the ballot. If there are questions on the acceptability of planned material, please contact the Returning Officer. Section 152 Advertisement Distribution (LAEA) Section 153 Interference with posted documents (LAEA) CAMPAIGN ADVERTISING IN CITY HALL No campaign advertising is to take place inside of City Hall by any candidate. No person or group shall be permitted to announce political candidacy or make any other political announcements in City Hall. Please contact the Returning Officer for further clarification. ADVERTISEMENT DISTRIBUTION ON ELECTION DAY Candidate advertising on Election Day is not permitted inside or on the outside of the voting station. The presiding deputy at the voting station will remove advertising, which contravenes this Act. INTERFERENCE WITH POSTED DOCUMENTS The destruction, removal or defacement of any notice or other document required to be posted under this Act will be guilty of an offence and liable. ELECTION SIGNS An election sign is a temporary sign announcing or supporting political candidates or issues in connection with any vote or referendum pursuant to municipal, provincial or federal legislation. The following guidelines deal with election signs placed on road right of ways and have been prepared with public traffic safety concerns in mind. SIGNS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY All signs must be securely erected and free standing; A sign cannot be greater than 0.6 meters by 1.0 meters and can only have two sign faces; The top of the sign cannot be greater than 1.0 meter above the ground; All signs must include the candidate s name, office telephone number and address. Candidates must keep their signs in a neat and clean appearance. 33

36 LOCATION GUIDELINES Campaign signs shall not be placed: On roadways (including paved shoulders), centre medians, traffic islands or roundabouts; Within 30 meters of a signalized intersection or 15 meters of an signalized intersection; On interchange ramps (Whoop Up Drive at University Drive or Whoop Up Drive/6 th Avenue South at Scenic Drive); On any traffic control device or where it obstructs, detracts from or could be confused with a traffic control device, On any physical roadway structure including bridges, guardrails, retaining walls, fences, concrete barriers, fire hydrants, sidewalks, pathways crosswalks or street light poles; On any street or highway sign or sign post; Within 500 meters of a construction zone; Within a school zone/area or playground zone/area; Within 2.0 meters from the edge of pavement; Within a minimum spacing of 20 meters between the same candidate s signs. SIGN DESIGN Campaign signs cannot: Display an intermittent flashing, rotating or moving light or have moving parts; Be illuminated; Have balloons, kites or inflatable devices attached to or near them; Imitate or resemble the appearance of a traffic control device (is. STOP or YIELD signs). Signs for the Lethbridge Election MUST NOT be placed on public property until after Monday September 4, Removal of Signs All election signs or public property must be removed within three days after Election Day October 19, 2017; If a sign is in contravention of these guidelines, a Peace Officer or a person authorized by City of Lethbridge Traffic Operations may, without notice or compensation, remove the sign; Confiscated signs will be held at Public Operations (Sign Shop). Contact: Beverly-Ann Parker ( ) or Mike Rohovie ( ), to retrieve confiscated signs. 34

37 Private Property You must have the permission of the property owner if you wish to place an election sign on private property; Signs on private property must be removed by Monday October 30 th (two weeks following Election Day). Provincial Right of Ways For regulations on Provincial roadways, refer to Alberta Transportation. Roads within City limits governed by these regulations include: Highway 4; Crowsnest Trail (Highway 3); 43 St. South between Highway 4 and Crowsnest Trail (Highway 3). SAFETY PRECAUTIONS When installing/removing election signs, taking proper safety precautions to ensure your safety and safety of the public, including driver distraction, are or utmost importance. All persons working near roadways shall wear reflective vests and bright clothing. Election signs should be installed /removed during daylight hours only; signs shall not be installed/removed during peak traffic volume times (07:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.); Vehicles used for transporting election signs must be parked in such a way to minimize the impact to the traveling public. Park vehicles as far as possible from the travel lanes with four-way hazard warning signals operating at all times. FORUMS A forum is an opportunity for the public to hear from individuals running for office. A forum may involve candidates being asked to present their platforms or may be conducted in a question/answer format whereby members of the public can ask questions to which the candidates respond. Forums are hosted by various groups and are not a part of the legislated process. The City is not involved in coordinating these events, however the City may provide a listing of these events on the City s webpage. You may also consult with the local media regarding forum information. INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION The Lethbridge Public Library will be acting as an Election Information Source for both candidates and the general election. Candidates will be able to display promotional information in designated areas and election forums will be hosted at the Library. For further information please contact Jonathan Jarvie, at the Lethbridge Public Library at jonathan.jarvie@lethlib.ca or at

38 ROLE OF THE MEDIA Media is not affiliated with the election process, yet is an integral component in getting the news of an election to the citizens. Media support the election process by providing news/special features, conducting interviews, highlighting upcoming dates and events and profiling the candidates running for various offices. It may be useful for potential candidates to have a brief biography prepared as part of the campaign to provide to the media. MEDIA CONTACT LIST TELEPHONE CBC Calgary Radio News Calgary calgarynewstips@cbc.ca Television News Calgary sarah.lawrynuik@cbc.ca Country 95.5 FM (CHLB) 401 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Office PO Box 1090, Lethbridge, AB News news@country95.fm T1J 3L8 B 93.3 FM (CJBZ) 401 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Office news@country95.fm PO Box 1090, Lethbridge, AB News T1J 3L CJOC FM Suite 400, Ave. S Office cjocnews@clearskyradio.com Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0G9 107 KISS FM Ave. South Office lethnews@rci.rogers.com PO Box 820, News Lethbridge, AB T1H 6H9 ROCK CJRX Ave. South Office lethnews@rci.rogers.com PO Box 820, News Lethbridge, AB T1H 6H9 GLOBAL Lethbridge Street North Office lethbridge@globalnews.ca Lethbridge, AB, T1H 6H News 36

39 MEDIA CONTACT LIST TELEPHONE CTV Lethbridge Street North Office Lethbridge, AB T1H 2S News 98.1 The Bridge Suite 400, Ave. S Office Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0G9 Lethbridge Herald Street South Office PO Box 670, Lethbridge, AB News/Editorial T1J 3Z Advertising Shaw Television 202, Ave. S shawtv.lethbridge@sjrb.ca Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0J9 The Lethbridge Shopper 234A- 12B Street N Lethbridge, AB, T1H 2K Lethbridge Living Magazine Ave S jsrempel@lethbridgeliving.com Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0K8 CJIL The Miracle Channel Southern Sun Times Street S dsutz@lethbridgeherald.com Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2H1 37

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41 FINANCES Section Registration of candidates (LAEA) REGISTRATION OF CANDIDATES Individuals interested in running in a municipal election must register with the local jurisdiction in which they intend to run for office prior to accepting or allocating any funds towards an election campaign. The City of Lethbridge is required to maintain a register of candidates for each election. The registry will be accessible to the public and can be viewed on the City website. Candidates who register under this Act are responsible to notify the municipality within 48 hours of any changes to the information submitted in their application. Section 118 Allowable election expenses (LAEA) Candidates for Public School or Separate School Trustee are not required to register before they begin receiving or allocating funds to an election campaign. DEPOSIT FOR FILING NOMINATION PAPERS The City of Lethbridge and the Schools Boards do not require a deposit when a candidate files Nomination Papers. ALLOWABLE EXPENSES Expenses that are legally allowed to be incurred in the process of running for office in a local jurisdiction are covered under the Local Authorities Election Act. These expenses include: (a) The actual personal expenses of the candidate; (b) The cost of acquiring premises, accommodation, goods or services used for proper election campaign purposes; (c) Bona fide payments for the fair costs of printing and advertising; (d) Reasonable and ordinary payment to any person for the hire of transportation used; i. By a candidate or speakers in travelling to and from public meetings, or ii. By any person in connection with and for the proper purposes of an election. MUNICIPAL ELECTION FINANCE AND CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE The Province has passed legislation regarding Election Finance and Contribution Disclosure. This legislation creates rules for dealing with campaign financing and imposes disclosure requirements. This legislation is binding on all candidates running for a City Council seat in this municipal election. Failure to comply with this legislation could result in significant penalties payable by both candidates and contributors. 39

42 FINANCIAL OFFICER Candidates may appoint a financial officer for their campaign. The candidate is, however, the individual responsible for the submission of the disclosure documents. A financial officer may actually submit the required forms to the Returning Officer. Section 147.2(1) Limitations on contributions (LAEA) CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS FOR MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES The deadline for submission of disclosure statements for a campaign is by March 1 after the general election. The candidate must file with the municipality a prescribed disclosure statement. Candidates receiving funds from contributors, or a combination of contribution and personal candidate funds, are required to file with the municipality a prescribed statement, which includes: Amount contributed with the name and address of each contributor greater than $ Total amount contributed from those contributing less than or equal to $ Total amount of money paid by the candidate out of the candidate s own funds, Total amount of any campaign surplus exceeding $500.00, Financial statements setting out the total amount of revenue and expenses, must be filed by March 1 after the General Election. Reminder Campaign contributions by a candidate shall not exceed $10,000 in any campaign period. If a candidate's entire election campgain is funded exclusivley out of the candidate's own funds up to a maximum of $10,000, the candidate is not required to file a registration of candidacy. A volunteer receiving no compensation either directly or indirectly is not deemed a contribution for disclosure. Any surplus from campaign funds is to be paid to the municipality in trust until next election or donated to a registered charity. Contributions from any one contributor shall not exceed $5,000 in any one year. 40

43 PUBLIC SCHOOL TRUSTEE CANDIDATES The Lethbridge School District No. 51 has passed a policy on campaign contributions and expenses. Policy 207 Campaign Contributions and Campaign Expense Disclosure indicates how and when candidates will disclose any and all campaign contributions and expenses. Campaign disclosures are required to be completed and submitted on or before the final working day in December in the election year that the candidate ran for office. Campaign surpluses are to be identified in the Statutory Declaration and must be deposited with the Associate Superintendent Business Affairs. That surplus will then be deposited to a charity of the candidate s choice no later than the last working day in December in the election year that the candidate ran for office. Candidates who are the recipient of anonymous campaign contributions that exceed $ must if able, return those donations to the contributor on or before December 1 st in the election year that the candidate ran for office. If the contributor cannot be identified, the candidate must deposit those funds with the Associate Superintendent Business Affairs for deposit with a registered Canadian charity. For further reference, see Appendix. SEPARATE SCHOOL TRUSTEE CANDIDATES The Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 has passed Bylaw 2013/02 Election Contributions and Campaign Expense Disclosure. This bylaw governs how and when candidates for the separate school division will be required to record and disclose their campaign expenses and contributions. Through this bylaw, it is mandatory that these disclosures are completed on or before March 1 st immediately following the election. Surpluses identified in campaign disclosures from all separate school candidates are to be paid to the Board for their allocation to registered charities. Where contributions for an election campaign are received from an anonymous donor, candidates are to refuse these donations with regards to Bylaw 2013/02. If the candidate can identify the contributor, the candidate shall obtain the information or return the attempted contributions. Where the candidate cannot identify or return the contributions, the candidate shall dispose of these contributions in a manner that does not benefit the campaign or candidacy in the election. For further reference, see Appendix. 41

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45 VOTING PROCEDURES Section 47 Eligibility to vote (LAEA) ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE A person is eligible to vote in an election in accordance with the Local Authorities Election Act, if the elector is: (a) at last 18 years of age at the date of election, (b) a Canadian citizen; and, (c) has resided in Alberta for the immediate 6 months preceding the election and is a resident of the jurisdiction on Election Day. Section 48 Rules of residence (LAEA) An elector shall only be a resident of one place at a time when voting under this Act. However, if an elector has more than one residence in Alberta, that elector shall designate their place of residence using the following factors in order of priority: a) The address displayed on their driver s licence, motor vehicle operator s licence, or identification card, any of which issued by the Government of Alberta; b) The address to which that elector s income tax correspondence is addressed and delivered; c) The address to which the elector s mail is addressed and delivered. Electors are eligible to vote only in the voting station in the voting subdivision in which the elector s place of residence is located in on Election Day. Section 75 Advance vote stations (LAEA) Section 79 Incapacitated elector at home (LAEA) Section 80 Institutional vote eligibility and staff (LAEA) There will be advance voting stations spread throughout the city. Electors may attend an advance vote station of their choice. All advance vote stations are wheelchair accessible. The location of all advance vote stations are enclosed in this document, as well as on the City of Lethbridge website. Incapacitated elector voting in the home is provided in Lethbridge for electors who are physically unable to attend their regular voting station on Election Day or the advance vote. Deputies will be appointed to attend institutions on Election Day to take the vote of persons confined to a hospital, auxiliary hospital, nursing home and seniors accommodation facility. 43

46 Section 48(1)(d) Rules of residence (LAEA) Section 48 Rules of residence (LAEA) STUDENT VOTING For the purposes of an election under this Act, students who attend an educational institution within or outside of Alberta, temporarily rent accommodation for the purpose of attending an educational institution, and regularly reside with any parents they have within Alberta, are deemed to reside with those family members. SCHOOL DISTRICTS Electors who are residents of a public school district, school division or regional division, or of a separate school district, school division or regional division under the School Act, are considered the same under the Local Authorities Election Act. Further, their residences, as prescribed by the School Act, shall be assessed the same. Section 44 Resident school (School Act) If an elector resides in the boundaries of a separate school district, and shares the same faith as those who established that district, shall be considered a resident of the separate school district and not a resident of the public school district. Section 58 Voting times for employees (LAEA) VOTING TIME FOR EMPLOYEES Employees who qualify as eligible electors are allocated three consecutive hours for the purpose of casting their vote. Further, if the employee s employment does not allow for three consecutive hours, the employer shall allow the employee any additional time for voting that is necessary granted at the convenience of the employer. Employers are prevented from making any deductions in pay from the employee, nor any other penalty, for any part of the three consecutive hours to vote. 44

47 ADVANCE VOTE Saturday City Hall, 10:00 am 8:00 pm September 30, th Avenue South Tuesday Lethbridge College, 10:00 am 8:00 pm October 3, 2017 Richardson Oilseed Room 3000 College Drive South Saturday City Hall, 10:00 am 8:00 pm October 7, th Avenue South Wednesday University of Lethbridge, 10:00 am 8:00 pm October 11, 2017 Andy s Place 4401 University Drive West Saturday City Hall, 10:00 am 8:00 pm October 14, th Avenue South MOBILE VOTING STATIONS Thursday TBD 10:00 am 8:00 pm October 5, 2017 Thursday TBD 10:00 am 8:00 pm October 12, 2017 Any eligible voter may vote at the Advance Vote or Mobile Voting Station, regardless if they are in the City on Election Day. 45

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49 ELECTION DAY Monday October 16, 2017 Every Voting Station will be open 10:00 am 8:00 pm VOTER IDENTIFICATION Voters will be required to present identification that contains the elector s name and current address. 47

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51 VOTE RESULTS & COUNT Section 84 Voting machines (LAEA) The Local Authorities Election Act makes provision for a municipality to conduct an election and take the votes by means of voting tabulators, vote recorders or automated voting systems. (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the bylaw referred to in subsection (1) shall prescribe (a) (b) (c) The form of the ballot, Directions for the marking of a ballot by an elector, and Directions for the voting procedures to be used including the procedures to be followed (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) In the taking of the votes by any of the means provided for in subsection In the examination of the ballots, by machine or otherwise, to determine which votes should be declared void, In the counting, by machine or otherwise, of the votes taken by any of the means provided for in subsection (1), and If a returning officer makes a recount pursuant to section 98, in the recounting, by machine or otherwise, of the votes taken by any of the means provided for in subsection (1). and the bylaw shall as nearly as possible follow the provisions of this Act. The City of Lethbridge s current Bylaw 5803 provides for voting tabulators. UNOFFICIAL RESULTS Unofficial election results will be available after 8:00 p.m. on Monday October 16, 2017 on the City of Lethbridge website: Section 97 Declaration of election result (LAEA) OFFICIAL RESULTS The official results of the election are posted at noon on Friday, October 20, 2017 (the fourth day after the Election). These results will be located on the City s website: All results issued prior to this date are unofficial. Official 2017 Election Results available October 20, 2017 at: 49

52 Section 98 Recount (LAEA) Section 98 Recount (LAEA) RECOUNTS On Tuesday, October 17, 2017, the Returning Officer examines the ballot account from every Voting Station in conjunction with the unofficial results. Should there be reasonable grounds for a recount, the Returning Officer may consider a recount under section 98 of the Local Authorities Election Act. Recounts called on the Tuesday immediately after Election Day must be completed before the posting of the official results of the election. The recount must be completed before noon on Friday, October 20, CANDIDATE OR AGENT RECOUNT REQUEST A candidate or an agent may request the Returning Officer do a recount within 44 hours of the close of Voting Stations, i.e., 4:00 pm Wednesday, October 18, The individual requesting the recount must show grounds that the record of the result of the vote count at a Voting Station is inaccurate. These grounds must be considered reasonable by the Returning Officer. If a candidate or agent feels that a recount should be done under these circumstances, it is requested that contact be made with the Returning Officer as soon as possible because of the length of time required to complete the recount. Section 98 Recount (LAEA) CANDIDATE NOTIFICATION OF A RECOUNT The Returning Officer shall notify candidates on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 of any recount. Candidates must receive 12 hours notice of a recount. If there is the possibility of a recount, candidates are requested to ensure the Returning Officer knows where and how to reach them on the Tuesday. TIME AND LOCATION OF RECOUNT Recounts will be conducted at the Office of the City Clerk (2 nd Floor City Hall, th Avenue South). If needed, recounts will begin at 8:00 am on the Wednesday immediately following the election, and the count may continue outside of normal working hours. WHO CAN BE PRESENT AT THE RECOUNT Candidates or their official agents or scrutineers involved in a recount are highly encouraged to be present during the recount of ballots. Those persons otherwise entitled to be present are workers involved in the recount process. RECOUNT PROCEDURES The procedures for recount are the same as for Election Day. The Returning Officer, if required, after completion of the recount adjusts the ballot account for the voting station. JUDICIAL REVIEW There is no allowance for a judicial recount when votes are taken by means of voting tabulators, voting recorders, or automated voting systems. 50

53 PROHIBITIONS & OFFENCES Candidates and their official agent and scrutineers should be familiar with the following prohibitions and offences. Additional prohibitions and offences are found in the Local Authorities Election Act. Section 148 Prohibitions (LAEA) PROHIBITIONS (1) No person shall (a) (b) (c) (d) without authority supply a ballot to any person, fraudulently put into a ballot box any paper other than a ballot that the person is authorized by this Act to deposit, fraudulently take a ballot out of the voting station, without authority destroy, take, open or otherwise interfere with any ballot box or packet of ballots then in use for the purpose of an election (2) No person shall (a) (b) request a ballot in the name of some other person, whether the name is that of a person living or dead or of a fictitious person, or having voted once, request at the same election a ballot in the person's own name. (3) No person shall vote knowing that the person has no right to do. (4) No person shall make or sign a false statement for any purpose related to an election or vote held or to be held under this Act. (5) No person shall print or distribute or cause to be printed or distributed in any advertisement, handbill, placard, poster, circular, pamphlet, newspaper or other paper a form of ballot printed by the returning officer, indicating or showing it to be marked for any candidate or candidates. (6) Notwithstanding anything in this section, the returning officer may at any time after nomination day cause a facsimile of the ballot for chief elected official, member of an elected authority, bylaw or question to be published as often as the returning officer considers necessary in a newspaper circulating in the area, for the information of the electors. (7) A person who contravenes subsection (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $ or to imprisonment for not more than 6 months or to both fine and imprisonment. 51

54 Section 150 Offence (LAEA) OFFENCES (1) Every returning officer, deputy, constable, official agent and scrutineer in attendance at a voting station shall maintain and aid in maintaining the secrecy of the voting at the voting station. (2) No person shall interfere with or attempt to interfere with an elector when the elector is marking the elector's ballot, or shall otherwise attempt to obtain at the voting station information as to which candidate or candidates any elector at that voting station is about to vote or has voted for. (3) No person shall (b) (c) during the hours when a voting station is open, canvass or solicit votes in a building where the voting station is located, or make any communication to an elector in a voting station respecting the election otherwise than through the deputy. (4) When a voting station is located in a building containing a complex of interlocking offices, stores or other facilities, the prohibition in subsection (3) applies only to the store, office or facility comprising the area used as a voting station. (5) No person shall display at the voting station or distribute or post in it a specimen ballot paper marked for a candidate or any other material purporting to explain to the electors how to vote or leave or post a ballot or other material in a voting compartment other than the material that is required to be posted in accordance with this Act. (6) No person shall communicate at any time to any person any information obtained at a voting station as to which candidate any elector at that voting station is about to vote or has voted for. (7) No returning officer, deputy, official agent or scrutineer in attendance at the counting of the votes shall communicate or attempt to communicate any information obtained at that counting as to which candidate or candidates any vote is given for. (8) No person shall directly or indirectly induce an elector to display the elector's ballot, after the elector has marked it, so as to make known to any person the name of any candidate for whom the elector has or has not marked the elector's ballot. (9) A person who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $5000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both fine and imprisonment. Section 151 Offence (LAEA) A candidate for elective office who signs a candidate s acceptance form that contains a false statement is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $

55 MAYOR TERM OF OFFICE The term of office for the Mayor is 4 Years. DUTIES The Mayor is the Chief Elected Official for the municipality and has the following duties: Section 153 General Duties of Councillors (MGA) Councillors have the following duties: (a) To consider the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole and to bring to council s attention anything that would promote the welfare or interests of the municipality; (b) To participate generally in developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality; (c) To participate in council meetings and council committee meetings and meetings of other bodies to which they are appointed by the council; (d) To obtain information about the operation or administration of the municipality from the chief administrative officer or a person designated by the chief administrative officer; (e) To keep in confidence matters discussed in private at a council or council committee meeting until discussed at a meeting held in public; (f) To perform any other duty or function imposed on councillors by this or any other enactment or by the council. Section 154 General Duties of chief elected official (MGA) (1) A chief elected official, in addition to performing the duties of a councillor, must (a) Preside when in attendance at a council meeting unless a bylaw provides that another councillor or other person is to preside, and (b) Perform any other duty imposed on a chief elected official by this or any other enactment or bylaw. 53

56 (1) A council is responsible for: Section 201 Council s principal role in municipal organization (MGA) (a) Developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality; (b) Making sure that the powers, duties and functions of the municipality are appropriately carried out; (c) Carrying out the powers, duties and functions expressly given to it under this or any other enactment. REMUNERATION (As of January 2017) (2) A council must not exercise a power or a function or perform a duty that is by this or another enactment or bylaw specifically assigned to the chief administrative officer or a designated officer or a designated officer. Base (2/3rds) Unvouchered (1/3 rd ) Total $78, $39, $117, BENEFITS Group Life Insurance: $30,000 basic coverage; premiums paid by City Council Member; commences after three months of service; optional group coverage available. Accidental Death and Dismemberment $100,000 basic coverage; premiums paid by City Council Member; commences after three months of service; optional group coverage available. EXTENDED HEALTH CARE/DENTAL BENEFIT OPTIONS An External Health Care/Dental Plan is available to elected officials in the City of Lethbridge, offering a choice of Core, Opt-Up, Opt-Down or Opt-Out levels of coverage. EXPENSES & ALLOWANCES Meals on City Business: $46.00 per day (GST and gratuity included). Per Diem: Mileage: $200/day for Full Days OR $100/half day (4 hours or less) while traveling outside the City for City business. $0.52 per kilometer (outside of City). 54

57 Parking: Office: A parking stall is provided at City Hall. The Mayor s Office is staffed with an Executive Assistant. Note: All approved travel, lodging and registration paid for by the City. COUNCIL MEETINGS: Regular Council Meetings: Held every second Monday, commencing at 12:00 noon at City Hall. Community Issues Committee & Finance Committee Meetings: Public Hearings: Priorities & Agenda Committee Meeting: Council Committees: Committee Meetings: When scheduled, on alternate Mondays commencing at 12:00 noon. City Council as Finance Committee meets, as required, to discuss the City s Capital and Operating Budgets. When scheduled, held on the same day as Regular Council Meetings, and commence at 4:00 p.m. Every second Wednesday, commencing at 1:30 p.m. (Includes the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Acting Mayor, City Manager and City Clerk). The Mayor may attend Meetings of Council Committees of which they are not a member, but shall not take part in any discussion or debate in such Committee Meeting except by permission of a majority of the Members of the Committee present. The appointments to the Committees are made each year at the organizational meeting of City Council. City Council members are expected to sit on various committees. Most of the meetings are monthly with the time commitment varying depending on the committee. TIME COMMITMENT The position of the Mayor is a full time commitment. The Mayor s time is spent working closely with City Council, Senior Management Team, and community representatives to develop plans and strategies important to the City s business and to help resolve issues which arise in the community. This requires a regular presence in the office during business hours. In addition to performing these duties, the Mayor is the key public representative of the City and is called on to represent the City and the community at meetings, public functions, ceremonies and other events, which often occur during evening hours and on weekends. The Mayor is the chief spokesperson for the City in discussions with elected officials in other municipalities or the provincial and federal governments. This may involve initiating and building important relationships with decision makers outside the community. 55

58 CITY COUNCIL ORIENTATION An orientation will held for newly elected Members of City Council. ATTENDANCE AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Attendance and participation in City Council and Committee meetings are important if you are to fulfil the representative and legislative responsibilities of elected office. MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS ALBERTA URBAN MUNICIPALITIES ASSOCIATION (AUMA) The Association is dedicated to enhancing leadership in municipal governance by developing and maintaining responsive and professional relations with member municipalities that support and strengthen their contributions to the well-being of urban communities. AUMA represents a unified voice to the provincial government on behalf of urban communities. Each Fall, an AUMA convention is held that attracts approximately 800 to 1000 delegates from urban councils and administration. The convention held during an election year is strongly geared toward newly elected Council members and for this reason, those successful candidates are encouraged to set aside time to attend this event. The 2017 AUMA convention will be Wednesday, November 22 through Friday, November 24, 2017 in Calgary. Please mark these dates on your calendar. A travel allowance to attend this conference is provided within the City Council budget. FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and municipal government occupy a central position in the political and economic structure of Canada. It represents the interests of all municipalities on policy and program matters within federal jurisdiction. Members include Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities and the 17 major provincial and territorial municipal associations. Municipal leaders from all parts of Canada assemble annually to establish FCM policy on key issues. The National Board of Directors meets quarterly to review policy and program matters. The City of Lethbridge is a member of FCM and as such, members of City Council have the opportunity to attend the annual conference of FCM. The FCM conference will take place Thursday, May 31 to Sunday, June 3, 2018 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 56

59 COUNCILLOR TERM OF OFFICE The term of office for the City Councillor is 4 Years. VACANCIES There are 8 Councillors in the City of Lethbridge. DUTIES The Municipal Government Act provides that every municipality shall have a council, the members of which shall be elected in accordance with the Local Authorities Election Act. The Municipal Government Act provides for a broad spectrum of powers and duties for a council and councillors including: Section 153 General Duties of Councillors (MGA) Councillors have the following duties: (a) To consider the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole and to bring to council s attention anything that would promote the welfare or interests of the municipality; (b) To participate generally in developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality; (c) To participate in council meetings and council committee meetings and meetings of other bodies to which they are appointed by the council; (d) To obtain information about the operation or administration of the municipality from the chief administrative officer or a person designated by the chief administrative officer; (e) To keep in confidence matters discussed in private at a council or council committee meeting until discussed at a meeting held in public; (f) To perform any other duty or function imposed on councillors by this or any other enactment or by the council. (1) A council is responsible for: Section 201 Council s principal role in municipal organization (MGA) (a) Developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality; (b) Making sure that the powers, duties and functions of the municipality are appropriately carried out; (c) Carrying out the powers, duties and functions expressly given to it under this or any other enactment. (2) A council must not exercise a power or a function or perform a duty that is by this or another enactment or bylaw specifically assigned to the chief administrative officer or a designated officer or a designated officer. 57

60 REMUNERATION (As of January 2017) Base (2/3rds) Unvouhered Total (1/3 rd ) Deputy Mayor $32, $16, $48, Councillor $29, $14, $43, BENEFITS Group Life Insurance: $30,000 basic coverage; premiums paid by City Council Member; commences after three months of service; optional group coverage available. Accidental Death and Dismemberment $100,000 basic coverage; premiums paid by City Council Member; commences after three months of service; optional group coverage available. EXTENDED HEALTH CARE/DENTAL BENEFIT OPTIONS An External Health Care/Dental Plan is available to elected officials in the City of Lethbridge, offering a choice of Core, Opt-Up, Opt-Down or Opt-Out levels of coverage. EXPENSES & ALLOWANCES Meals on City Business: $46.00 per day (GST and gratuity included). Per Diem: $200/day for Full Days OR $100/half day (4 hours or less) while traveling outside the City for City business. The amount for travel per calendar year per Councillor is: Per Diem $3,500 and Travel $7,000 for a total of $10,500. All Councillors must fill out a Travel approval BEFORE travel that requires them to use funding from their travel account. This approval form must be signed by the Mayor and indicate what expenses are expected. Mileage: Parking: Office: $0.52 per kilometer (outside of City). A parking permit is provided. Administrative, technical support and research services are provided for the Councillors through the Office of the City Clerk. 58

61 COUNCIL MEETINGS: Regular Council Meetings: Community Issues Committee & Finance Committee Meetings: Held every second Monday, commencing at 12:00 noon at City Hall. When scheduled, on alternate Mondays commencing at 12:00 noon. City Council as Finance Committee meets, as required, to discuss the City s Capital and Operating Budgets. Public Hearings: Deputy Mayor/Acting Mayor: Committee Meetings: When scheduled, held on the same day as Regular Council Meetings, and commence at 4:00 p.m. Councillors act as Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor on a six month rotation in accordance with the schedule adopted by City Council at its annual Organizational Meeting held on Monday October 30, City Council members are expected to sit on various committees. Most of the meetings are monthly with the time commitment varying depending on the committee. Deputy/Acting Mayor The Deputy Mayor, in the absence of the Mayor, performs such Responsibilities: functions as: chairing of City Council meetings, City Council agenda meetings, attending ceremonies (ribbon cutting), banquets, signing official documents, speaking engagements, citizenship court, etc. If the Deputy Mayor is not available, the Acting Mayor or another Councillor would be called upon to carry out these duties. Council Committees: City Councillor s will participate in a variety of committee s throughout their tenure on Council, including standing, special purpose, ad hoc, joint and external committees. The appointments to the Committees are made each year at the organizational meeting of City Council. TIME COMMITMENT The demands on your time while being an elected official will be heavy. You will be elected for a four-year term of office and during that time you will be required to attend: Regular and special meetings of council; Council committee meetings; Meetings of other boards and agencies to which you are appointed as a council representative; Conferences, conventions, seminars and workshops for training and discussion; and Other events promoting your municipality. 59

62 Time must also be spent reading agenda material and talking with residents, the chief administrative officer (CAO) and other relevant stakeholders. This will all be part of the necessary preparation for meetings so that you can make informed decisions. CITY COUNCIL ORIENTATION An orientation will be held for newly elected Members of City Council. ATTENDANCE AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Attendance and participation in City Council and Committee meetings are important if you are to fulfil the representative and legislative responsibilities of elected office. MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS ALBERTA URBAN MUNICIPALITIES ASSOCIATION (AUMA) The Association is dedicated to enhancing leadership in municipal governance by developing and maintaining responsive and professional relations with member municipalities that support and strengthen their contributions to the well-being of urban communities. AUMA represents a unified voice to the provincial government on behalf of urban communities. Each Fall, an AUMA convention is held that attracts approximately 800 to 1000 delegates from urban councils and administration. The convention held during an election year is strongly geared toward newly elected Council members and for this reason, those successful candidates are encouraged to set aside time to attend this event. The 2017 AUMA convention will be Wednesday, November 22 through Friday, November 24, 2017 in Calgary. Please mark these dates on your calendar. A travel allowance to attend this conference is provided within the City Council budget. FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and municipal government occupy a central position in the political and economic structure of Canada. It represents the interests of all municipalities on policy and program matters within federal jurisdiction. Members include Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities and the 17 major provincial and territorial municipal associations. Municipal leaders from all parts of Canada assemble annually to establish FCM policy on key issues. The National Board of Directors meets quarterly to review policy and program matters. The City of Lethbridge is a member of FCM and as such, members of City Council have the opportunity to attend the annual conference of FCM. The FCM conference will take place Thursday, May 31 to Sunday, June 3, 2018 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 60

63 TRUSTEE LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 TERM OF OFFICE The term of office for a Trustee is 4 years. VACANCIES There are 7 Trustees in the Lethbridge School District No. 51. DUTIES Provide policy direction to the School District through regular and special meetings of the Board of Trustees. REMUNERATION (Current as of January 2017)(One-third unvouchered) Base (2/3 rd ) Unvouchered (1/3 rd ) Total Chairman $19, $9, $29, Vice Chair $16, $8, $25, Trustee $14, $7, $22, IDEMNIFICATION POLICY Members of the Board are indemnified against legal liability from actions against such members provided that the matter relates to the performance of a Trustee s duties. OFFICE SPACE A Trustee s office and access to clerical services are available at the Education Centre. BOARD MEETINGS Typically held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from September to June starting at 2:00 p.m. The Board schedules Committee of the Whole meetings as required. EXPENSE ALLOWANCE An additional allowance is provided (per diem and travel) for attending to School Board related functions (conferences outside of city limits). Room accommodation and parking is reimbursed at cost, supported by a receipt. Meals are reimbursed at a rate of $45.00 per day. Mileage is at the rate of $0.505 per kilometer. 61

64 WHAT DO SCHOOL TRUSTEES DO? Alberta School Boards help shape the future of local communities by governing the education of young people. The provincial government, through the Minister of Education, grants school boards the independent authority to make decisions regarding the direction and quality of local public education. Accountability to the public is entrenched through the election of local school board trustees every four years. The School Board Election is Monday October 16, SCHOOL BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES It is up to school boards to ensure all children in the community receive a quality education. Specific school board responsibilities include: Communicating, informing and involving parents, staff, and the community-atlarge in school board decisions and activities; Adopting an annual budget that achieves jurisdiction priorities; Setting goals and priorities for the jurisdiction that achieve provincial education standards, meet the needs of students and reflect the community s wishes; Making and enforcing policies that set out standards and expectations regarding the actions of administration, teachers, and students; Lobbying the municipal and provincial governments on education issues of importance to the jurisdiction; Adjudicating policy or decision appeals; Hiring and evaluating the superintendent. ROLE OF THE TRUSTEE In accordance with the School Act, the Board of Trustees is the final authority at the local level on matter relating to school operation. The Board is responsible for the development of policy for the school district, but delegates the implementation of that policy to its administrative officers. In accordance with this general principle, trustees have the following specific responsibilities: Establishing the Three Year Education Plan for the school district and developing and approving policies and programs to attain the goals set out in the Three Year Education Plan; Setting budget priorities and approving the annual budget; Monitoring the operation of the school district through discussions with, and reports from, its administrative and teaching staff, and through discussions with members of the public; Appointing personnel to designated administrative positions; Approving the roles and special assignments of senior administrators; Approving major expenditures not anticipated when the annual budget was prepared (The Board must approve all tenders in excess of $30,000); Making decisions on matters not determined by policy or practice; Acting as a final appeal body on any matter within the Board s jurisdiction; 62

65 Developing contracts and agreements with its employees with regard to salary and benefits. To carry out these duties and responsibilities Board members: Attend Board meetings; Accept membership on ad hoc and standing committees; Attend workshops and conferences as appropriate; Attend zone and provincial Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) meetings; Visit schools as often as necessary to keep them informed; Confer with the administrative staff; Act as a communication link between the general public and the school district; Represent the school district at public meetings and official ceremonies. To access a database of Board of Trustee Policies, visit: FOR MORE INFORMATION: Cheryl Gilmore Superintendent Lethbridge School District No. 51 Lethbridge School District No Street South Lethbridge Street South Lethbridge Telephone: (403) Telephone: (403) LeeAnne Tedder Executive Assistant, Office of the Superintendent Facsimile: (403) Facsimile: (403) cheryl.gilmore@lethsd.ab.ca leeanne.tedder@lethsd.ab.ca Other information can be obtained from the following websites: Alberta School Boards Association FILING NOMINATION PAPERS Nomination Papers for Lethbridge School District No. 51 are to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk, 2 nd Floor, City Hall, Avenue South, between 10:00 am. and 12:00 Noon only, on Monday, September 18,

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67 TRUSTEE HOLY SPIRIT ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPERATE REGIONAL DIVISION N0. 4 TERM OF OFFICE The term of office for a Trustee of the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate School Division No. 4 is 4 years. VACANCIES Five Trustees to be elected in Ward 2. Ward 2: This includes the City of Lethbridge, Town of Raymond, Town of Coalhurst, Village of Stirling, areas in the County of Lethbridge by Mountain Meadows, Sunset Acres and areas in the County of Warner by Craddock, Raymond, and Stirling. (5) DUTIES Attend regular and special meetings of the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 REMUNERATION (One-third non-taxable, current as of February 2017) Base (2/3 rd ) Unvouchered (1/3 rd ) Total Chairman $9, $4, $13, Vice Chair $8, $4, $12, Trustee $7, $3, $10, The annual rate is adjusted each September 1 by an increase equal to the rate of increase in the base instruction grants provided to the school division from Alberta Education. INDEMNIFICATION POLICY Members of the School Board are indemnified against legal liability from actions against such members provided that the matter relates to the performance of a Trustee's duties. OFFICE SPACE Each Trustee is provided access to clerical services as required BOARD MEETINGS Usually held on the 4 th Wednesday of each month in the evenings from September to June (except December when it is held on the third Wednesday) from 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 65

68 EXPENSE ALLOWANCE An additional allowance is provided for travel to School Board related functions (conferences) The daily per diem rate for trustee meeting attendance is $150 ($80.00 per half day). Standard room accommodation and parking at cost, supported by a receipt Meals are reimbursed at a maximum rate of $65.00 per day. Mileage is at the rate of $0.505 per kilometre. WHAT DO SCHOOL TRUSTEES DO? Alberta School Boards help shape the future of local communities by governing the education of young people. The provincial government, through the Minister of Education, grants school boards the independent authority to make decisions regarding the direction and quality of local public education. Accountability to the public is entrenched through the election of local school board trustees every four years. The School Board Election is October 16, SCHOOL BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES It is up to school boards to ensure all children in the community receive a quality education. Specific school board responsibilities include: Communicating, informing and involving parents, staff, and the community-atlarge in school board decisions and activities; Adopting an annual budget that achieves jurisdiction priorities; Setting goals and priorities for the jurisdiction that achieve provincial education standards, meet the needs of students and reflect the community s wishes; Making and enforcing policies that set out standards and expectations regarding the actions of administration, teachers, and students; Lobbying the municipal and provincial governments on education issues of importance to the jurisdiction; Adjudicating policy or decision appeals; Hiring and evaluating the superintendent. ROLE OF THE TRUSTEE The role of the trustee is to contribute to the Board as it carries out its mandate in order to achieve its mission, vision and goals. The Board of Trustees of the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 is a corporation. The decisions of the Board in a properly constituted meeting are those of the corporation. A trustee that is given corporate authority to act on behalf of the Board may carry out duties individually but only as an agent of the Board. In such cases, the actions of the trustee are those of the Board, which is then responsible for them. A trustee acting individually has only the authority and status of any other citizen of the division and cannot direct the staff of the division to undertake any direct action. 66

69 Specific Responsibilities: The trustee shall, at the time of assuming office, take and subscribe to the official oath and deposit it with the Secretary-Treasurer; The trustee shall, at the time of assuming office, pledge to, and sign, the Trustee Code of Ethics; The trustee shall be solely responsible for declaring himself/herself to be in a possible conflict of interest in accordance with Part 3, Division 3 of the School Act; The trustee shall participate in, and contribute to, the decisions of the Board in order to provide the best solutions possible for the education of students within the Division; The trustee shall model the values and requirements of a practicing Catholic and participate in parish and church activities; The trustee shall attend all meetings of the Board unless unable to do so because of illness or other unavoidable causes and shall familiarize himself/herself with Division policies and meeting agendas in order to be able to participate fully in the business of the Board; The trustee shall participate in training opportunities in order to ensure that the appropriate skills, knowledge and understandings are acquired; The trustee shall support the decisions of the Board and refrain from making statements that may give the impression that such a statement reflects the corporate opinion of the Board when it does not; The trustee shall strive to develop a positive learning and working culture both within the Board and the Division. To access a database of Board of Trustee Policies, visit: FOR MORE INFORMATON Lisa Palmarin, CPA, CGA, CSBO Secretary Treasurer Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 St. Basil s Catholic Education Centre Street 'B' North Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 2L7 Telephone: (403) PalmarinL@holyspirit.ab.ca Other information can be obtained from the following websites: o Alberta School Boards Association o Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association FILING NOMINATION PAPERS Nomination Papers for ALL Wards of the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 are to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk, 2 nd Floor, Avenue South, between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon only, on Monday, September 18,

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71 APPENDICES 69

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73 71 APPENDIX A VOTING SUBDIVISIONS MAP

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75 73 APPENDIX B CITY OF LETHBRIDGE BYLAW 5803

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89 87 APPENDIX C SIGN RESTRICTIONS PLACEMENT MAPS

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93 APPENDIX D POLICY CC10 CITY COUNCIL REMUNERATION & BENEFITS 91

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