CANDIDATE INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 CANDIDATE INFORMATION HANDBOOK MAYOR COUNCILLOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TRUSTEE CATHOLIC SCHOOL TRUSTEE OCTOBER 21, 2013 ~ 1 ~

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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION... 6 HIGHLIGHTS FOR RETURNING OFFICER JURISDICTION... 8 CONTACT INFORMATION:... 8 INFORMATION SOURCES... 9 WEBSITE RESOURCES... 9 PURPOSE, POWER AND CAPACITY OF LOCAL JURISDICTIONS CITY COUNCIL MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT PUBLIC & CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARDS SCHOOL ACT CAMPAIGN ADVERTISING AND MEDIA CAMPAIGN ADVERTISING IN CITY HALL PROHIBITIONS/CAMPAIGN LITERATURE: BALLOTS ADVERTISEMENT DISTRIBUTION ON ELECTION DAY INTERFERENCE WITH POSTED DOCUMENTS ELECTION SIGN GUIDELINES FORUMS INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION ROLE OF THE MEDIA MEDIA CONTACT LIST THE OFFICE OF MAYOR DUTIES OF MAYOR REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS COUNCIL AND COUNCIL COMMITTEES TIME COMMITMENT WELCOME RECEPTION CITY COUNCIL ORIENTATION CITY COUNCIL RETREAT ATTENDANCE AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ATTENDANCE AT CITY COUNCIL FINANCE MEETINGS ATTENDANCE AT COMMITTEE MEETINGS REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE CANDIDATE ORIENTATION MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS ALBERTA URBAN MUNICIPALITIES ASSOCIATION (AUMA) FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) THE OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR DUTIES OF COUNCILLOR REMUNERATION & BENEFITS CITY COUNCIL AND CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES TIME COMMITMENT WELCOME RECEPTION CITY COUNCIL ORIENTATION CITY COUNCIL RETREAT ATTENDANCE AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ATTENDANCE AT CITY COUNCIL FINANCE MEETINGS ~ 3 ~

4 ATTENDANCE AT COMMITTEE MEETINGS DEPUTY/ACTING MAYOR RESPONSIBILITIES REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE CANDIDATE ORIENTATION MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS ALBERTA URBAN MUNICIPALITIES ASSOCIATION (AUMA) FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) TRUSTEE LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO WHAT DO SCHOOL TRUSTEES DO? SCHOOL BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES ROLE OF THE TRUSTEE TRUSTEE HOLY SPIRIT ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE REGIONAL DIVISION NO WHAT DO SCHOOL TRUSTEES DO? SCHOOL BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES ROLE OF THE TRUSTEE NOMINATION PROCESS NOMINATION PAPERS FILING OF NOMINATION PAPERS EXAMINATION OF NOMINATION PAPERS QUALIFICATIONS OF ELECTORS WHO SIGN NOMINATION PAPERS FORM OF CANDIDATE S NAME ON BALLOT CANDIDATE S ACCEPTANCE AND AFFIDAVIT WITHDRAWAL OF NOMINATION CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENSES DEPOSIT FOR FILING NOMINATION PAPERS ALLOWABLE EXPENSES MUNICIPAL ELECTION FINANCE AND CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE FINANCIAL OFFICER CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS FOR CANDIDATES THE CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES INELIGIBILITY DISQUALIFICATION OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS EMPLOYEES OF A LOCAL JURISDICTION RUNNING FOR OFFICE CANDIDATES' AGENTS AND SCRUTINEERS APPOINTMENT OF AN OFFICIAL AGENT APPOINTMENT OF A SCRUTINEER NUMBER OF AGENTS AND SCRUTINEERS 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 WHAT AN AGENT OR SCRUTINEER CAN NOT DO WHY APPOINT AN OFFICIAL AGENT OR SCRUTINEER? IDENTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES AND CAMPAIGN WORKERS ~ 4 ~

5 11. VOTER IDENTIFICATION ADVANCE VOTE ELECTION DAY ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE RULES OF RESIDENCE VOTING TIME FOR EMPLOYEES VOTING STATION LOCATIONS OFFENCES VOTING MACHINES ELECTION RESULTS UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OFFICIAL RESULTS RECOUNTS RETURNING OFFICER RECOUNT RECOUNTS BEFORE OFFICIAL RESULTS CANDIDATE OR AGENT RECOUNT REQUEST CANDIDATE NOTIFICATION ON RECOUNT TIME AND LOCATION OF RECOUNT WHO CAN BE PRESENT AT THE RECOUNT RECOUNT PROCEDURES JUDICIAL RECOUNT FREEDOM OF INFORMATION & PROTECTION OF PRIVACY ACT (FOIP).. 78 WHAT IS FOIP? ~ 5 ~

6 1. INTRODUCTION 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 (as applicable) 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. Reproduction of the materials contained within this handbook is permitted with acknowledgment to the City of Lethbridge. For questions related to the election, please contact the Returning Officer at Election 2013 Important Dates Nomination Day September 23, :00 a.m. to 12 noon City Hall, 2 nd Floor, Office of the City Clerk Advance Vote October 5, 11, 12, 17 and 18, 2013 Election Day October 21, :00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m This package provides information on the following 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 (Voting Subdivisions Map). 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 (Voting Subdivisions Map). ~ 6 ~

7 HOLY SPIRIT ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE REGIONAL DIVISION NO. 4, WARD NO. 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: (1) some residents of the County of Warner who live near Raymond, Stirling, and Craddock (2) some residents of the County of Lethbridge who live in Mountain Meadows and Sunset Acres (3) residents of the Town of Raymond, Town of Coalhurst, and the Village of Stirling Detailed maps can be obtained from Sandra Lang, Returning Officer for Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4. A listing of the legal land descriptions is included with the Catholic School Trustee package. HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2013 The number of Advance Voting Stations has been expanded this year. Any eligible voter may vote at the Advance Vote. It is not limited to those unable to vote on Election Day. All voters will be required to provide identification containing their name and current address. Commencing with the Election in October, 2013, the term of office for both City Council and School Boards is four years. Those elected will serve until the beginning of the organizational meeting after the next general election which will be in October, No person or group shall be permitted to announce political candidacy or make any other political announcements in City Hall. City Council passed a resolution at the March 5, 2012 City Council meeting that after the 2013 election, City Aldermen will be referred to as Councillor or alternatively, City Councillors. On the City of Lethbridge website, there is an application called Where Do I Vote? Electors may enter their address on this page and will be informed of their Voting Station name and address. This application will be available September, ~ 7 ~

8 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 Trustee Lethbridge School District No. 51 Agreement Catholic School Trustee Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4, Ward 2 Agreement CONTACT INFORMATION: Aleta Neufeld, Returning Officer Telephone: (403) aleta.neufeld@lethbridge.ca OR David Sarsfield, Assistant Returning Officer Telephone: (403) david.sarsfield@lethbridge.ca Contact Information for Candidates for School Trustees: a) Public School Board Office Cheryl Gilmore, Superintendent, Lethbridge School District No Street South Telephone: (403) Facsimile: (403) cheryl.gilmore@lethsd.ab.ca LeeAnne Tedder Executive Assistant, Office of the Superintendent Street South Telephone: (403) Facsimile: (403) leeanne.tedder@lethsd.ab.ca b) Holy Spirit Catholic School Board Office Sandra R. Lang Returning Officer Box 414, Pincher Creek, AB TOK 1WO Telephone: (403) Facsimile: (403) dplang@telus.net ~ 8 ~

9 INFORMATION SOURCES This handbook provides only reference to the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) and other related legislation. Candidates should obtain a copy of the LAEA and Municipal Government Act or School Act from the following source: WEBSITE RESOURCES The Queen's Printer, Main Floor, Park Plaza Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5K 2P7 Telephone: (780) Facsimile: (780) qp@gov.ab.ca Web Address: City of Lethbridge Alberta Municipal Affairs Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Federation of Canadian Municipalities Prospective Candidate Seminars Lethbridge School District No. 51 Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 Alberta School Boards Association Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association Queen s Printer ~ 9 ~

10 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 (Local) - 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. The Province provides the structure for local governments through the following legislation: CITY COUNCIL MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT Under the Municipal Government Act, City Council s responsibilities are to: pass legislation or bylaws appoint, suspend or revoke the appointment of the City Manager adopt the City s operating and capital budgets maintain the accountability of the Administration develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the Municipality deal with anything specifically required by statute, and hear appeals unless they are delegated to a City Council Committee by bylaw Section 3 (MGA) The purposes 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. PUBLIC & CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARDS SCHOOL ACT Section 60 (1) A board must: (a) establish policies respecting the provision of educational services and programs. ~ 10 ~

11 2. CAMPAIGN ADVERTISING AND MEDIA 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. PROHIBITIONS/CAMPAIGN LITERATURE: BALLOTS 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. 148 Prohibitions (LAEA) (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 officer, 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 (5) is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for not more than 6 months or to both a fine and imprisonment. 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 Section of the Local Authorities Election Act. 152 Advertisement distribution (LAEA) (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person who, on election day, (a) displays inside or on the outside of a building used for a voting station, or (b) distributes within a building used for a voting station, an advertisement, handbill, placard, poster, circular, pamphlet, newspaper or other paper except those posted by the deputy in accordance with this Act is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $500. (2) When a voting station is located in a building containing a complex of interlocking offices, stores or other facilities, the prohibition in subsection (1) applies only to the store, office or facility comprising the area used as a ~ 11 ~

12 voting station. (3) The distribution by or on behalf of a candidate or the candidate's official agent or scrutineer of newspapers, pamphlets or other literature containing articles or reports on matters of public interest is not a contravention of this section. (4) Where a person displays an advertisement, handbill, placard, poster, circular, pamphlet, newspaper or other paper contrary to subsection (1), the deputy may cause it to be removed, and neither the deputy nor any person acting under the deputy's instructions is liable for trespass or damages resulting from or caused by the removal. Note: Note: It is no longer a requirement that any printed advertisement, handbill, placard, poster, circular, pamphlet or other paper having reference to an election, bear the name and address of its printer/publisher. Ballots in the 2013 Election will be marked by filling in the entire square provided on the right hand side opposite the name of the candidate(s) of your choice. EXAMPLE OF HOW TO MARK BALLOT INTERFERENCE WITH POSTED DOCUMENTS 153 Interference with posted documents (LAEA) A person who, without authorization, takes down, covers up, mutilates, defaces or alters any notice or other document required to be posted under this Act is guilty of an offence and liable (a) if the person is an officer, to a fine of not more than $1000, and (b) in any other case, to a fine of not more than $200. ~ 12 ~

13 ELECTION SIGN GUIDELINES GUIDELINES FOR THE PLACEMENT OF FREE STANDING ELECTION SIGNS ON CITY OF LETHBRIDGE ROAD RIGHT OF WAY Election Sign Definition: 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. CALL BEFORE YOU DIG ALBERTA ONE CALL 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, address and if appropriate, their political affiliation Candidates must keep signs in a neat and clean appearance Location Guidelines 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 unsignalized intersection on interchange ramps (Whoop Up Drive at University Drive or Whoop Up Drive/6 Ave S 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 SIGNS CANNOT display an intermittent flashing, rotating or moving light or have moving parts be illuminated ~ 13 ~

14 have balloons, kites or inflatable devices attached to or near them imitate or resemble the appearance of a traffic control device (ie. STOP or YIELD sign) Signs for the Lethbridge Municipal Election must not be placed on public property until after Monday, September 2, 2013 Removal of Signs All election signs on public property must be removed three days after Election Day, October 24, 2013 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 Contact Craig Richter at Traffic Operations, or craig.richter@lethbridge.ca to retrieve confiscated signage 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, November 4 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 S 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 reducing driver distraction, are of 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. to 09:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 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 signal operating at all times For safety tips or advice, do not hesitate to contact Craig Richter at Traffic Operations, or craig.richter@lethbridge.ca ~ 14 ~

15 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. You may consult with the local media regarding forum information. INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION The Lethbridge Public Library will be acting as an Election Information Clearinghouse. Candidates will be able to display promotional information in designated areas. For further information please contact Bernice Duguay, at the Lethbridge Public Library at bernice.duguay@lethlib.ca or at 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 FACSIMILE CBC Radio News Calgary Television News Calgary FM (CHLB) 401 Mayor Magrath Drive South Office Office Mailing Address: News News PO Box 1090, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3L FM (CJBZ) 401 Mayor Magrath Drive South Office Office Mailing Address: News News PO Box 1090, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3L8 THE LOUNGE 94.1 CJOC FM RADIO Suite 400, Avenue South Office Lethbridge, AB T1J 0G9 THE RIVER 107 FM CFRV RADIO Avenue South Office Office Mailing Address: News NEWS/PSA PO Box 820, Lethbridge, AB T1H 6H9 ~ 15 ~

16 ROCK CJRX Avenue South Office Office Mailing Address: News PO Box 820, Lethbridge, AB T1H 6H9 CISA TV GLOBAL TELEVISION Street North Office Office/News Lethbridge, AB T1H 6H News CFCN TV CHANNEL Street North Office Lethbridge, AB T1H 2S News CITY TV CHUM Avenue S.W Calgary, AB T2P 0Y4 LETHBRIDGE HERALD Street South Office Office Mailing Address: PO Box 670, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3Z News/Editorial Advertising News Advertising SHAW TELEVISION 202, Avenue South Lethbridge, AB T1J OJ9 THE LETHBRIDGE SHOPPER 234A 12B Street North Lethbridge, AB T1H 2K7 LETHBRIDGE LIVING MAGAZINE Box Lethbridge, AB T1K 6X5 CJIL THE MIRACLE CHANNEL SOUTHERN SUN TIMES Street South Lethbridge, AB T1J 2H1 SUNNY SOUTH NEWS Avenue Coaldale, AB LETHBRIDGE JOURNAL Ave North Lethbridge, AB ~ 16 ~

17 3. THE OFFICE OF MAYOR Term of Office: 4 Years DUTIES OF MAYOR The Mayor is the chief elected official of the municipality and has duties that encompass those of both Mayor and Councillor. 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. 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. (2) The chief elected official is a member of all council committees and all bodies to which council has the right to appoint members under this Act, unless the council provides otherwise. (3) Despite subsection (2), the chief elected official may be a member of a board, commission, subdivision authority or development authority established under Part 17 only if the chief elected official is appointed in the chief elected official s personal name. ~ 17 ~

18 201 Council s principal role in municipal organization (MGA) (1) A council is responsible for 1. developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality; 2. making sure that the powers, duties and functions of the municipality are appropriately carried out; REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS 3. 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 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 Remuneration: Benefits: $103,309 per annum (one-third non-taxable) City Council Remuneration & Benefits Policy CC10 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 Alternative Benefit Choices: Prior to the beginning of each Flex Year (January 1), flex credits are issued and must be allocated to one or a combination of the following: Use Credits to pay for Opt-Up Extended Health Care or Dental Care premiums (non-taxable). All Opt-Up premiums must be paid for with Flex Credits Direct Credits to a Health Spending Account (HSA) or Taxable Spending Account (TSA) A Health Spending Account (HSA) is a health benefit bank account, where withdrawals are used to pay for qualifying medical expenses A Taxable Spending Account is used by City Council Members to acquire services, which will enhance wellness, improve knowledge and skill in technology, and advance education (pursuits at the College/University Level or in areas of self-improvement) ~ 18 ~

19 Extended Health Care/Dental Benefit Options The Extended Health Care/Dental Plan offers you a choice of Core, Opt-Up, Opt-Down or Opt-Out levels of coverage: Core - a basic level of benefits that all eligible employees are entitled to receive as a condition of employment Opt-Up - an enhanced level of benefits, which provides more coverage for employees who anticipate a higher need for coverage Opt-Down - a more modest level of benefits for employees who anticipate a lower need for benefits Opt-Out - no coverage. If you are already covered for similar benefits under your spouse s plan and choose not to be covered under the Extended Health Care and/or Dental Care Plans, the City of Lethbridge credits you with 75% of the value (i.e. current cost) of the Core benefit(s) for which you have Opted-Out, and these dollars are added to your Flex Credits The City of Lethbridge pays 100% of the cost of Core Coverage Expense Allowance for Meetings & Travel: Per Diem: Mileage: Parking: Office: Meals - While on City Business $46.00 per diem per day (GST and gratuity included) $200/day (full days) or $100 for half days of 4 hours or less, for travelling on City business (outside of city) $0.52 per kilometre (outside of city) Note: All approved travel, lodging and registration paid by the City Parking stall provided The Mayor s Office is staffed with an Executive Assistant and Communications Advisor COUNCIL AND COUNCIL COMMITTEES Regular Council Meetings: Community Issues Committee (CIC) Meetings: Every second Monday, commencing at 12 Noon When scheduled, on alternate Mondays commencing at 12 Noon Public Hearings: When scheduled, on alternate Mondays, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Priorities & Agenda Committee Meeting: Every second Wednesday, commencing at 1:30 pm (includes the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Acting Mayor, City Manager, and City Clerk) ~ 19 ~

20 Council Committees: The Mayor is an ex-officio member of all Committees of Council, which come under the authority of the Municipal Government Act, and has the right to attend any such committee meetings and participate with full voting rights. However, the Mayor may be a member of a Board, Commission, or Subdivision & Development Authority only if appointed by personal name. The appointments to the Committees are made at the 2013 Organizational Meeting of City Council scheduled for Monday, October 28, 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. WELCOME RECEPTION A welcoming reception will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 starting at 2:00 pm. City Council members will be sworn in at the Organizational Meeting, Monday, October 28, CITY COUNCIL ORIENTATION An orientation session is held for newly elected Members of City Council. CITY COUNCIL RETREAT The newly elected City Council will determine the need, location, and date for the retreat. 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. ~ 20 ~

21 Regular City Council meetings are held every second Monday commencing at 12:00 pm, usually continuing on into the evening. Public Hearings and Community Issues Committee meetings are held on alternate Mondays, commencing at 12:00 pm. In preparation for the meeting, an agenda is provided to City Council members on the Thursday before the City Council meeting to allow time for reading and reviewing the agenda material. ATTENDANCE AT CITY COUNCIL FINANCE MEETINGS City Council as Finance Committee meets as required to discuss the City s Capital and Operating Budgets. ATTENDANCE AT COMMITTEE MEETINGS 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. REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE Successful candidates are required to provide a listing of all their real estate holdings within a radius of thirty (30) kilometres of the City of Lethbridge, Filing of Real Estate Holdings Policy. CANDIDATE ORIENTATION Alberta Municipal Affairs is offering seminars for prospective candidates. A session is scheduled for Lethbridge, Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 7:00 pm. Registration and other details are available at MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS ALBERTA URBAN MUNICIPALITIES ASSOCIATION (AUMA) The mission statement of AUMA states: The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association will provide leadership in advocating local government interests to the provincial government and other organizations, and will provide services that address the needs of its membership. In order to achieve this mandate, 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. ~ 21 ~

22 The 2013 AUMA convention will be Wednesday, November 20 through Friday, November 22, 2013 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 mission statement of FCM states: The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has been the national voice of municipal government since FCM is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and municipal government occupy a central position in the political and economic structure of Canada. FCM has learned that the diversity of Canada and of municipal institutions is a centrifugal force, which at the same time stimulates the vitality of the organization. FCM has been recognized since 1901 as the national voice of municipal governments. 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 Federation serves constituents in two official languages. It accommodates vastly different structures established by provinces for local administration. Hand in hand with its policy interests, the Federation remains a professional association serving the elected municipal official. 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 Friday, May 30 to Monday, June 2, 2014 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. ~ 22 ~

23 4. THE OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR Term of Office: Number of Councillors: 4 Years 8 Positions DUTIES OF COUNCILLOR 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: 153 General duties of Councillors (MGA) 201 Council s principal role in municipal organization (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 (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 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. ~ 23 ~

24 REMUNERATION & BENEFITS Remuneration: Benefits: $39,485 per annum (one-third non-taxable) City Council Remuneration & Benefits Policy CC10 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 Alternative Benefit Choices: Prior to the beginning of each Flex Year (January 1), flex credits are issued and must be allocated to one or a combination of the following: Use Credits to pay for Opt-Up Extended Health Care or Dental Care premiums (non-taxable). All Opt-Up premiums must be paid for with Flex Credits Direct Credits to a Health Spending Account (HSA) or Taxable Spending Account (TSA) A Health Spending Account (HSA) is a health benefit bank account, where withdrawals are used to pay for qualifying medical expenses A Taxable Spending Account is used by City Council Members to acquire services, which will enhance wellness, improve knowledge and skill in technology, and advance education (pursuits at the College/University Level or in areas of self improvement) Extended Health Care/Dental Benefit Options The Extended Health Care/Dental Plan offers you a choice of Core, Opt-Up, Opt-Down or Opt-Out levels of coverage: Core - a basic level of benefits that all eligible employees are entitled to receive as a condition of employment Opt-Up - an enhanced level of benefits, which provides more coverage for employees who anticipate a higher need for coverage Opt-Down - a more modest level of benefits for employees who anticipate a lower need for benefits Opt-Out - no coverage. If you are already covered for similar benefits under your spouse s plan and choose ~ 24 ~

25 not to be covered under the Extended Health Care and/or Dental Care Plans, the City of Lethbridge credits you with 75% of the value (i.e. current cost) of the Core benefit(s) for which you have Opted-Out, and these dollars are added to your Flex Credits The City of Lethbridge pays 100% of the cost of Core Coverage Expense Allowance for Meetings & Travel: Per Diem: Meals - While on City Business $46.00 per diem per day (GST and gratuity included) $200/day (full days) or $100 for half days of 4 hours or less, for travelling on City business (outside of city) 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 form 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 kilometre (outside of city) Parking permit provided Administrative, some technical support, and research services are provided for the Councillors through the City Clerk s Office CITY COUNCIL AND CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES Regular City Council Meetings: Community Issues Committee (CIC) Meetings: Every second Monday at 12:00 Noon When scheduled, on alternate Mondays, commencing at 12:00 Noon Public Hearings: When scheduled, on alternate Mondays, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Deputy Mayor/Acting Mayor: 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 28, ~ 25 ~

26 There are several types of committee appointments: 1. Standing on-going committee established by City Council that shall continue in force until terminated by a City Council resolution 2. Special Purpose a committee, board, or commission which is established under the legislated powers of the City but has their own constitution or bylaws, current ones being Galt Museum & Archives, Library, and Regional Police Commission 3. Ad Hoc short term committee which is specific in purpose and has a clearly defined life span 4. Joint a committee that is created through agreement with one or more other bodies. 5. External a committee not established by City Council but to which City Council members and/or citizens may be appointed by City Council The appointments of Councillors are made at the 2013 Organizational Meeting of City Council scheduled for Monday, October 28, TIME COMMITMENT The Municipal Government Act provides an outline of duties for members of City Council. The Act does not indicate the minimum number of hours per week members should spend in performing their duties. A member of City Council should be prepared for a minimum of 30 hours per week; however, hours may vary depending on the time of year (i.e. emerging issues, attendance at public events, budget meetings, regular City Council and Finance Committee meetings etc.). The time commitment is extensive as a member may be required to attend to a wide variety of commitments during regular business hours. Depending on the issues, members of City Council can receive a wide variety of s, phone calls, mail and be asked to attend public events such as grand openings, public meetings and social functions that occur during evening hours and on weekends. As well, considerable time may be spent with City Administration when doing research or being briefed on issues. The position may not be full time; however, they are on call full time which frequently impacts their personal and family time and their ability to work without interruption. WELCOME RECEPTION A welcoming reception will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 starting at 2:00 pm. City Council members will be sworn in at the Organizational Meeting, Monday, October 28, CITY COUNCIL ORIENTATION An orientation session is held for newly elected Members of City Council. CITY COUNCIL RETREAT The newly elected City Council will determine the need, location, and date for the retreat. ~ 26 ~

27 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. Regular City Council meetings are held every second Monday commencing at 12:00 pm, usually continuing on into the evening. Public Hearings and Community Issues Committee meetings are held on alternate Mondays, commencing at 12:00 noon. In preparation for the meeting, an agenda is provided to City Council members on the Thursday before the City Council meeting to allow time for reading and reviewing the agenda material. ATTENDANCE AT CITY COUNCIL FINANCE MEETINGS City Council as Finance Committee meets as required to discuss the City s Capital and Operating Budgets. ATTENDANCE AT COMMITTEE MEETINGS 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 RESPONSIBILITIES Each Councillor is appointed as the Deputy Mayor for a period of six months and Acting Mayor for a period of six months during the four year term of office. The Deputy Mayor, in the absence of the Mayor, performs such 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. REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE Successful candidates are required to provide a listing of all their real estate holdings within a radius of thirty (30) kilometres of the City of Lethbridge, Filing of Real Estate Holdings Policy CC9. CANDIDATE ORIENTATION Alberta Municipal Affairs is offering seminars for prospective candidates. A session is scheduled for Lethbridge, Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 7:00 pm. Registration and other details are available at ~ 27 ~

28 MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS ALBERTA URBAN MUNICIPALITIES ASSOCIATION (AUMA) The mission statement of AUMA states: The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association will provide leadership in advocating local government interests to the provincial government and other organizations, and will provide services that address the needs of its membership. In order to achieve this mandate, 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 2013 AUMA convention will be Wednesday, November 20 through Friday, November 22, 2013 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 mission statement of FCM states: The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has been the national voice of municipal government since FCM is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and municipal government occupy a central position in the political and economic structure of Canada. FCM has learned that the diversity of Canada and of municipal institutions is a centrifugal force, which at the same time stimulates the vitality of the organization. FCM has been recognized since 1901 as the national voice of municipal governments. 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 Federation serves constituents in two official languages. It accommodates vastly different structures established by provinces for local administration. Hand in hand with its policy ~ 28 ~

29 interests, the Federation remains a professional association serving the elected municipal official. 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 is Friday, May 30 to Monday, June 2, 2014 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. ~ 29 ~

30 5. TRUSTEE LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 Term of Office: Duties: Remuneration: Indemnification Policy: Office Space: Board Meetings: Expense Allowance: 4 years (seven trustees to be elected) Provide policy direction to the School District through regular and special meetings of the Board of Trustees Chairman: $17, per annum Vice Chair: $15, per annum Trustee: $14, per annum (one-third non-taxable) 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 A Trustee s office and access to clerical services are available at the Education Centre Usually held every fourth Tuesday of each month in the evenings from September to June starting at 2:00 pm An additional allowance is provided (per diem and travel) for attending to School Board related functions (conferences outside of city limits) and/or professional development. Up to $5,000 per year is available. 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 kilometre. ~ 30 ~

31 Information: Cheryl Gilmore Superintendent Lethbridge School District No Street South Telephone: (403) Facsimile: (403) WHAT DO SCHOOL TRUSTEES DO? LeeAnne Tedder Executive Assistant, Office of the Superintendent Lethbridge School District No Street South Telephone: (403) Facsimile: (403) 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 21, 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-at-large 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. ~ 31 ~

32 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 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 SCHEDULE For more information, contact Cheryl Gilmore, Superintendent Lethbridge School District No Street South Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2Z5 Telephone: (403) Facsimile: (403) cheryl.gilmore@lethsd.ab.ca LeeAnne Tedder, Executive Assistant, Office of the Superintendent Lethbridge School District No Street South Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2Z5 Telephone: (403) Facsimile: (403) leeanne.tedder@lethsd.ab.ca An Orientation session is scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2013 starting at 9:00 a.m. The first Board and Organizational Meeting are scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, 2013 starting at 2:00 p.m. A Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for February 4, 2014 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Victoria Park High School, Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB. ~ 32 ~

33 A Board Planning Retreat is usually scheduled for the second week of March. The Alberta School Board Association (ASBA) Fall General Meeting will be held in Edmonton from November 17 19, The ASBA Spring General Meeting will be held in Red Deer from June 2 3, FILING NOMINATION PAPERS Nomination Papers for Lethbridge School District No. 51 are to be filed in the City Clerk s Office, 2 nd Floor, City Hall, Avenue South, between 10:00 am. and 12:00 noon only, on Monday, September 23, ~ 33 ~

34 6. TRUSTEE HOLY SPIRIT ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE REGIONAL DIVISION NO. 4 Term of Office: 4 years (Nine trustees to be elected in total; five in 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). Duties: Remuneration: Indemnification Policy: Office Space: Attend regular and special meetings of the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 10,500 per year for Trustee; $13,600 per year for the Board Chair; $12,000 per year for the Vice Chair (one-third nontaxable). 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 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 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 pm 9:00 pm 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) to a maximum of $1,800 per year. 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 $0.50 per kilometre. ~ 34 ~

35 Information: Returning Officer: Sandra Lang Box 414, Pincher Creek, AB TOK 1W0 Telephone: (403) Facsimile: (403) 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 21, 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-at-large 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. ~ 35 ~

36 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 For more information, contact 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) Facsimile: (403) Other information can be obtained from the following websites: Alberta School Boards Association 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 City Clerk s Office, 2 nd Floor, Avenue South, between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon only, on Monday, September 23, ~ 36 ~

37 7. NOMINATION PROCESS Nomination Day Monday, September 23, 2013 between the hours of 10:00 am and 12:00 Noon in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 2 nd Floor, th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta 25 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 City Clerk s Office. Nomination Papers for School Trustee are available from the City Clerk s Office as well as from Lethbridge School District No. 51 located at Street South; and from Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4, St. Basil Education Centre, Street 'B' North. 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. 27 Form of Nomination (LAEA) (1) Every nomination of a candidate shall be in the prescribed form and signed by at least 5 electors eligible to vote in that election and resident in the local jurisdiction on the date of signing the nomination, and shall be accompanied with a written acceptance signed in the prescribed form by the person nominated stating (a) that the person is eligible to be elected to the office, (a.1) the name, address and telephone number of the person s official agent, and (b) that the person will accept the office if elected, NOTE: and if required by bylaw, it must be accompanied with a deposit in the required amount. The City of Lethbridge and the School Boards do not require the Candidates to pay a deposit. ~ 37 ~

38 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 am and 12:00 Noon on Nomination Day, Monday, September 23, 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. Prospective candidates who are not in attendance at the City Clerk s office by 12 Noon are not permitted to file nominations. 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. Note: Alberta Municipal Affairs, which is responsible for the Local Authorities Election Act, has stated that facsimile transmission of Nomination Papers is NOT acceptable. 28 Nominations (LAEA) (1) The returning officer shall receive nominations at the local jurisdiction office between 10 a.m. and 12 noon on nomination day. (1.1) The person who is nominated as a candidate is responsible for ensuring that the nomination filed under subsection (1) meets the requirements of section 27. (3) Any person may file a nomination described in section 27 with the returning officer or deputy. NOTE: 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. EXAMINATION OF NOMINATION PAPERS Completed Nomination Papers for the Mayor, Councillor, and Public School Trustee are available for inspection by qualified electors of the jurisdiction, during office hours and in the presence of the Returning Officer at the City Clerk s Office, 2 nd Floor, City Hall, th Avenue South. 28 Nominations (LAEA) (4) At any time after 12:00 Noon on nomination day until the term of office to which the filed nomination papers relate has expired, a person may request to examine the filed nominations during regular business hours and in the presence of the returning officer, deputy or secretary. ~ 38 ~

39 Note: Completed Nomination Papers for Separate School Trustee can be viewed at the Office of Sandra Lang, Returning Officer, Pincher Creek, Telephone QUALIFICATIONS OF ELECTORS WHO SIGN NOMINATION PAPERS It is important that a person(s) signing a candidate s Nomination Paper must be an eligible elector on the day of signing, in accordance with Section Eligibility to Vote (LAEA) (1) A person is eligible to vote in an election held pursuant to this Act if the person (a) is at least l8 years old, (b) is a Canadian citizen, and (c) has resided in Alberta for the 6 consecutive months immediately preceding election day and the person s place of residence is located in the area on election day. Note: 1. "Area" means the area within the boundaries of a local jurisdiction. 2. The person who signs the Nomination Papers must be a resident in the local jurisdiction on the date of signing the Nomination Papers. (Under the Local Authorities Election Act, local jurisdiction means a municipality, or a district or division as defined in the School Act, as the case may be ). 3. To ensure validity of their Nomination Papers, a Candidate may submit more than the REQUIRED FIVE (5) eligible electors' signatures. FORM OF CANDIDATE S 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 City Clerk s Office. 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. They are as follows: 21 (1) A person may be nominated as a candidate in any election under this Act if ~ 39 ~

40 Qualification of candidates (LAEA) 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. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), in the case of a city, a candidate for councillor is not required to be a resident of the ward in either a general election or a by-election, but must be a resident of the city. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a candidate for trustee of a board of a school district that is wholly or partly within the boundaries of a city is not required to be a resident of the ward in either a general election or a byelection, but must be a resident of the school district. (4) If the boundaries of a local jurisdiction are altered by the addition of land, a person who has been a resident of the added land for at least the 6 months immediately preceding nomination day is deemed, for the purposes of this Act, to have been a resident, during that time, of the local jurisdiction to which the land was added. 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 (1) any indebtedness for current taxes, and (2) 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 ~ 40 ~

41 section. (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, 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 Disaster Services 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 a co-operative association under the Cooperative Associations Act or 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; ~ 41 ~

42 (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 apply to the council for a leave of absence without pay on or after July 1 in the year 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. (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 apply to his or her employer for a leave of absence without pay on or after July 1 in the year of an election but before the employee s last working day prior to nomination day. (6) Notwithstanding any bylaw, resolution or agreement of a municipality, the council shall grant every application it receives under this section. (7) An employee who has been granted a leave of absence 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 has been granted a leave of absence is not elected, the employee may return to work, in the position the employee had before the leave commenced, on the 5th day after election day or, if the 5th day is not a working day, on the first working day after the 5th day. (9) If an employee who has been granted a leave of absence 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 has been granted a leave of absence 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 day after the declaration is made, and subsections (7) and (8) apply. (11) Subject to subsection (12), an employee who has been granted a leave of absence 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. 23 Ineligibility for Nomination (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 ~ 42 ~

43 27 Form of Nomination (LAEA) 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. (1) Every nomination of a candidate shall be in the prescribed form and signed by at least 5 electors eligible to vote in that election and resident in the local jurisdiction on the date of signing the nomination, and shall be accompanied with a written acceptance signed in the prescribed form by the person nominated stating (a) that the person is eligible to be elected to the office, (a.1) the name, address and telephone number of the person s official agent, and (b) that the person will accept the office if elected, and if required by bylaw, it must be accompanied with a deposit in the required amount. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), if a system of wards is in effect, only an elector who is a resident of the ward for which a candidate for election is being nominated may sign the nomination of the candidate. 47 Eligibility to Vote (LAEA) (1) A person is eligible to vote in an election held pursuant to this Act if the person (a) is at least 18 years old, (b) is a Canadian citizen, and (c) has resided in Alberta for the 6 consecutive months immediately preceding election day and the person's place of residence is located in the area on election day. (2) Subject to subsection (3) and sections 75, 79, 81, and 83, an elector is eligible to vote only at the voting station for the voting subdivision in which the elector's place of residence is located on election day. (3) If a local authority establishes a voting station at a work site, the local authority may direct that those workers who are electors who wish to vote and who are required to work at the site during the hours for which the voting station is open shall vote at that voting station, notwithstanding that those workers do not reside in the voting subdivision in which that voting station is located. (4) In the case of the performance of any function or the exercise of any right under this Act, a person shall be a resident on the day on which that function is performed or that right is exercised in the area, ward or voting subdivision in respect of which that function is performed or that right is exercised and shall have been a resident of Alberta for the 6 consecutive months immediately preceding the day on which that function is performed or that right is exercised, unless otherwise required by this Act. Area in Section 47(1)(c) above means the area within the boundaries of a local jurisdiction ~ 43 ~

44 68.1 Official Agent Candidate Self-Funded Election Campaign Limitations on Contributions Registration of Candidates (1) Each person nominated as a candidate may, on the nomination form, appoint an elector to be the candidate s official agent. (1.1) 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. (2) 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 appointed as an official agent. (3) No candidate shall act as an official agent for any other candidate. (4) The duties of an official agent are those assigned to the official agent by the candidate. (1) Any money up to and including $ paid by a candidate out of the candidate s own funds for the purposes of the candidate s election campaign is not a campaign contribution for the purposes of this Part. (2) If a candidate s entire election campaign is funded exclusively out of the candidate s own funds, the candidate is not required to (a) open and deposit the funds in a campaign account at a financial institution in the name of the candidate s election campaign or of the candidate, (b) file a disclosure statement with the municipality setting out the total amount contributed by the candidate to the candidate s own election campaign, or (c) file a disclosure statement with the municipality listing the campaign expenses incurred during the candidate s election campaign. (3) This section does not apply if the candidate receives or accepts any campaign contribution from any other person, corporation, trade union or employee organization. (1) Campaign contributions by any person, corporation, trade union or employee organization to a candidate shall not exceed $5000 in any year. (1.1) Money paid by a candidate out of the candidate s own funds to the candidate s election campaign shall not exceed $ in any campaign period. (2) Repealed 2010 c9 s2. (3) No prohibited organization, person normally resident outside Alberta or trade union or employee organization other than a trade union or employee organization as defined in this Part shall make any campaign contributions to a candidate. (4) A corporation, trade union or employee organization that contravenes this section is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $ (5) A person or a candidate who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of up to $5000. (1) No candidate may accept campaign contributions, including the funds of the candidate, unless the candidate is registered under this Act with the municipality in which the candidate intends to run. (2) The municipality shall maintain a register of candidates in relation to each election and shall register in it any candidate who is eligible to be nominated at the time of registration and who files with the municipality an application for registration setting out (a) the full name and address of the candidate, (b) the addresses of the place or places where records of the candidate are ~ 44 ~

45 maintained and of the place to which communications may be addressed, (c) the names and addresses of the financial institutions to be used by or on behalf of the candidate as depositories for campaign contributions made to that candidate, and (d) the names of the signing authorities for each depository referred to in clause (c). (3) When there is any change in the information required to be provided under subsection (2), the registered candidate shall notify the municipality in writing within 48 hours after the change, and on receipt of the notice the municipality shall update the register of candidates accordingly. (4) Notice under subsection (3) may be sent by fax or electronic mail. (5) A candidate who contravenes subsection (1) or (3) is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $1000. (6) This section does not apply to a candidate if the candidate s entire election campaign is funded exclusively out of the candidate s own funds up to a maximum of $ (7) This section applies to a campaign period beginning on or after January 1, 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 $ (4) School Act 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, (a) is a resident of the separate school district, and (b) is not a resident of the public school district. 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 City Clerk s Office before Noon on Tuesday, September 24, A facsimile withdrawal is not permitted. Withdrawals will not be accepted if the candidate has been declared elected by acclamation or if 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 Subject to subsection (2), if more than the required number of ~ 45 ~

46 Withdrawal of Nomination (LAEA) candidates for any particular office are nominated, any person so nominated may, at any time within 24 hours after the close of the nomination period, withdraw as a candidate for the office for which the candidate was nominated by filing with the returning officer a withdrawal in writing. 2. If, after one or more candidates have withdrawn, the number of remaining candidates does not exceed the number of vacancies to be filled, the returning officer shall refuse to accept further withdrawals. ~ 46 ~

47 8. CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENSES DEPOSIT FOR FILING NOMINATION PAPERS The City of Lethbridge and the School 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. 118 Allowable election expenses (LAEA) (1) In any election under this Act, the following expenses shall be held to be lawfully incurred and the payment of them is not a contravention of this Act: (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 cost 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. (2) With respect to an election of a school board trustee under this Act, an elected authority may, by a bylaw passed prior to April 15 of a year in which a general election is held require that candidates prepare and disclose to the public statements of all their campaign contributions and campaign expenses and may prescribe how campaign contributions not used for campaign expenses must be used. (2.1) If a bylaw is passed under subsection (2), the elected authority may require that the statements of campaign contributions and campaign expenses be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. (2.2) If a bylaw is passed under subsection (2), a person eligible to vote in the election may request to examine the statements of campaign contributions and campaign expenses during regular business hours and in the presence of the returning officer, deputy or secretary. (3) A bylaw passed under subsection (2) (a) shall define campaign contributions and campaign expenses, and (b) may prescribe forms for purposes of the bylaw. (4) A person who contravenes a bylaw passed under this section is guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty of not more than $1000, and on conviction the penalty enures to the benefit of the local jurisdiction in respect of which the election was conducted. ~ 47 ~

48 MUNICIPAL ELECTION FINANCE AND CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE The Province passed legislation regarding Election Finance and Contribution Disclosure. The new legislation creates new 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. It is imperative that all candidates familiarize themselves with this legislation. Refer to the Municipal Affairs website for updates to the legislation and information: In addition, both the Lethbridge School District No. 51 and the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 have passed a policy on Board on campaign contributions and campaign expenses. ~ 48 ~

49 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROVINCIAL ACT (FOR CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES) Item Campaign contribution by candidate Self-funded election campaign (candidate) Provincial Legislation Shall not exceed $10,000 in any campaign period Campaign is self-funded and has a cap of $10,000 is NOT required to: open bank account file a disclosure statement Does not apply if candidate receives or accepts any campaign contribution from any contributor Campaign Disclosure Statement Campaign is funded from campaign contributions OR funded from a combination of candidate and contributor(s) must file with the municipality a prescribed disclosure statement which includes the following: amount contributed, name and address for each contributor greater than $100 total amount contributed from those contributing less than $100 total amount of money paid by the candidate out of the candidate s own funds total amount of any campaign surplus exceeding $500 financial statements setting out the total amount of revenue and expenses to be filed by March 1 after the general election Candidate Bank Account Campaign Contribution by any one contributor Volunteer Services Campaign Surplus Required only if the total amount of contributions from any contributor (other than candidate) is greater than $5,000 or the combination of contributor/candidate s funds exceed $5,000 Shall not exceed $5,000 in any year Volunteer receiving no compensation either directly or indirectly is not deemed a contribution for disclosure Any surplus is to be paid to the municipality in trust until next election or donate any surplus to a registered charity ~ 49 ~

50 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. CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS FOR 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. Lethbridge School District No. 51 and the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 candidates are required to disclose campaign contributions and expenses. ~ 50 ~

51 9. THE CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES A candidate for election to the local office in Lethbridge must be a qualified elector. 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. INELIGIBILITY 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, ~ 51 ~

52 in Alberta unless the person is on a leave of absence granted under this section. (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, 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 Disaster Services 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 a co-operative association under the Cooperative Associations Act or 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 ~ 52 ~

53 23 Ineligibility for Nomination (LAEA) 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 apply to the council for a leave of absence without pay on or after July 1 in the year of a general election or on or after the day the council passes a resolution to hold a by-election but before the employee's last working day prior to nomination day. (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 apply to his or her employer for a leave of absence without pay on or after July 1 in the year of an election but before the employee s last working day prior to nomination day. (6) Notwithstanding any bylaw, resolution or agreement of a municipality, the council shall grant every application it receives under this section. (7) An employee who has been granted a leave of absence 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 has been granted a leave of absence is not elected, the employee may return to work, in the position the employee had before the leave commenced, on the 5th day after election day or, if the 5th day is not a working day, on the first working day after the 5th day. (9) If an employee who has been granted a leave of absence 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 has been granted a leave of absence 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 day after the declaration is made, and subsections (7) and (8) apply. (11) Subject to subsection (12), an employee who has been granted a leave of absence 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. (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. ~ 53 ~

54 DISQUALIFICATION OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS Members of City Council are governed by the Municipal Government Act. Sections 174 to 179 of the MGA deal with the disqualification of members of City Council. 174 (MGA) (1) A councillor is disqualified from council if (a) when the councillor was nominated, the councillor was not eligible for nomination as a candidate under the Local Authorities Election Act; (b) the councillor ceases to be eligible for nomination as a candidate under the Local Authorities Election Act; (c) the councillor becomes a judge of a court or a member of the Senate or House of Commons of Canada or of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta; (d) the councillor is absent from all regular council meetings held during any period of 8 consecutive weeks, starting with the date that the first meeting is missed, unless subsection (2) applies; (e) the councillor is convicted (i) of an offence punishable by imprisonment for 5 or more years, or (ii) of an offence under section 123, 124 or 125 of the Criminal Code (Canada); (f) the councillor does not vote on a matter at a council meeting at which the councillor is present, unless the councillor is required or is permitted to abstain from voting under this or any other enactment; (g) the councillor contravenes section 172 (Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest); (h) the councillor has a pecuniary interest in an agreement that is not binding on the municipality under section 173; (i) the councillor uses information obtained through being on council to gain a pecuniary benefit in respect of any matter; (j) the councillor becomes an employee of the municipality; (k) the councillor is liable to the municipality under section 249 (Civil Liability of Councillors); (2) A councillor is not disqualified by being absent from regular council meetings under subsection (1)(d) if the absence is authorized by a resolution of council passed (a) at any time before the end of the last regular meeting of the council in the 8- week period, or (b) if there is no other regular meeting of the council during the 8-week period, at any time before the end of the next regular meeting of the council. (3) For the purposes of this section, a councillor is not considered to be absent from a council meeting if the councillor is absent on council business at the direction of council. (4) A councillor who is disqualified under this section is eligible to be elected at the next general election in the municipality if the person is eligible for nomination under the Local Authorities Election Act. ~ 54 ~

55 EMPLOYEES OF A LOCAL JURISDICTION RUNNING 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. 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 District No. 51, and the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No Ineligibility (LAEA) (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 of a general election or on or after the day the council passes a resolution to hold a by 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. (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 entitled to a leave of absence without pay. (7) An employee who has been granted a leave of absence 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 has been granted a leave of absence is not elected, the employee may return to work, in the position the employee had before the leave commenced, on the 5th day after election day or, if the 5th day is not a working day, on the first working day after the 5th day. (9) If an employee who has been granted a leave of absence 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 has been granted a leave of absence 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 day after the declaration is made, and subsections (7) and (8) apply. (11) Subject to subsection (12), an employee who has been granted a leave of absence 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. ~ 55 ~

56 10. CANDIDATES' AGENTS AND SCRUTINEERS APPOINTMENT OF AN OFFICIAL AGENT Candidates may appoint an elector as their official agent Official Agent (LAEA) (1) Each person nominated as a candidate may, on the nomination form, appoint an elector to be the person s official agent; (1.1) 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. (2) 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 appointed as an official agent. (3) No candidate shall act as an official agent for any other candidate. (4) The duties of an official agent are those assigned to the official agent 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 s 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: 69 Candidate s Scrutineer (LAEA) (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. ~ 56 ~

57 53 Proof of Elector Eligibility 77 Elector s Statement 78 Incapacitated Elector at Voting Station (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. (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. (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: Subject to section 83(3) or (4), every person applying to vote at an advance voting station, before being permitted to vote, shall be required by a deputy to make a statement in the prescribed form, which shall be kept by the deputy with the other records of the voting station. (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. ~ 57 ~

58 (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. NUMBER OF AGENTS AND SCRUTINEERS 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 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. 69 Candidate s Scrutineer (LAEA) (3) The presiding deputy shall not permit a candidate to have an official agent or a scrutineer present at the same time in a voting station during voting hours. (3.1) The presiding deputy shall not permit a candidate to have both a official agent and a scrutineer present at the same time in a voting station during voting hours. (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. ~ 58 ~

59 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. 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. 69 Candidates Agent (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. 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. 78 Incapacitated Elector at Voting Station (LAEA) (6) No candidate, official agent or scrutineer shall be present in the voting compartment at the marking of a ballot under this section ~ 59 ~

60 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. 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. (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. 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, official agents, or scrutineers observing the counting of votes must be present in the voting station before 8:00 pm, the close of voting. No one is permitted to enter the voting station after 8:00 pm. ~ 60 ~

61 Candidates, their official agent, or their scrutineer may sign the Ballot Account, Form 13, Alberta Election Forms Regulation. This form is the official result of the count of the ballots at the voting station. 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 machines. 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: 150 Offences (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 ~ 61 ~

62 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. WHY APPOINT AN OFFICIAL AGENT OR SCRUTINEER? Candidates appoint official 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 has to be completed at the City Clerk s Office at 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 City Clerk s Office. 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. ~ 62 ~

63 11. VOTER IDENTIFICATION The identification requirements have changed for the 2013 General Election. 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. An elector may vote after producing Government Issued Identification containing the elector s photograph, current address and name. This includes an Operator s (Driver s) License or an Alberta Identification Card. Forms of non-photographic authorized identification with an elector s name and address that will be accepted at the voting station include: Attestation of Residence issued by the landlord of a commercial property management company Attestation of Residence issued by the responsible authority of a First Nations band or reserve Attestation of Residence issued by the responsible authority of a supportive living facility or treatment center Bank/credit card statement or personal cheque Correspondence issued by a school, college or university Government cheque or cheque stub Income/property tax assessment notice Insurance policy or coverage card Letter from a public curator, public guardian or public trustee One of the following, issued by the responsible authority of a shelter or soup kitchen: e.g. attestation of residence, letter of stay, admission form or statement of benefits 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, hydro, gas or water Vehicle ownership, registration or insurance certificate 53 (1) Proof of Elector Eligibility (LAEA) Proof of elector eligibility 53(1) Every person who attends at a voting station for the purpose of voting must be permitted to vote (a) if the person s name appears on the list of electors, if any, or (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: (i) if a bylaw has not been passed under subsection (3), (A) one piece of identification issued by a Canadian government, whether federal, provincial or local, or an agency of that government, that contains a ~ 63 ~

64 photograph of the elector and his or her name and current address, or (B) one piece of identification authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer under the Election Act for the purposes of section 95(1)(a)(ii) of that Act that establishes the elector s name and current address; (ii) if a bylaw has been passed under subsection (3), the number and types of identification required by the bylaw to verify the person s name and current address and, if applicable, age. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), if there is a list of electors, a person may instead prove that the person is eligible to vote as an elector and his or her identity and current residence and, if applicable, age by making a statement in the presence of an officer at the voting station, in the prescribed form, if he or she is accompanied by another person whose name appears on the list of electors for the same voting station at which that other person is entitled to vote and that other person (a) produces for inspection (i) if subsection (1)(b)(i) applies, a piece of identification referred to in subsection (1)(b)(i), or (ii) if subsection (1)(b)(ii) applies, the number and types of identification required by the bylaw, and (b) vouches for him or her by making a statement in the presence of an officer at the voting station in the prescribed form. (3) An elected authority may, by a bylaw passed no later than 6 months prior to nomination day of a year in which an election is to be held, provide for the number and types of identification that are required to be produced by a person to verify the person s name and current address for the purpose of determining whether the person is eligible to vote. (4) An elected authority may, by a bylaw passed no later than 6 months prior to nomination day of a year in which an election is to be held, provide for the number and types of identification that are required to be produced by a person who wishes to vote by a special ballot to verify the person s name and current address for the purpose of determining whether the person is eligible to vote. (5) A bylaw under subsection (3) or (4) (a) may specify identification in addition to that referred to in subsection (1)(b)(i), and (b) may provide for the number and types of identification that are required to be produced to also verify the person s age. (6) Any bylaw passed under subsection (3) or (4) providing for the number and types of identification that are required to be produced to verify the person s name and current address for the purpose of determining whether the person is eligible to vote must provide that a returning officer shall accept one piece of identification referred to in subsection (1)(b)(i)(A) or (B) for that purpose. (7) When an elected authority intends to pass a bylaw under subsection (3) or (4) it must (a) advertise the proposed bylaw in accordance with section 53.1, and (b) include in the notice of election day under section 35 the proposed number and types of identification to be required. (8) A scrutineer may not vouch for a person under subsection (2). (9) A person who attends a voting station for the purpose of voting may not vote unless the requirements of subsection (1) or (2) are met. ~ 64 ~

65 12. ADVANCE VOTE ADVANCE VOTING WILL TAKE PLACE: Saturday, October 5, 2013 Friday, October 11, 2013 Saturday, October 12, 2013 Thursday, October 17, 2013 Friday, October 18, 2013 Friday, October 18, 2013 Friday, October 18, 2013 City Hall, Culver City Room Avenue South Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre Avenue North City Hall, Culver City Room Avenue South City Hall, Culver City Room Avenue South Fritz Sick Memorial Centre Street South LDS Church Street South University Drive Alliance Church 55 Columbia Boulevard West 10:00 am 8:00 pm 10:00 am. 8:00 pm 10:00 am 8:00 pm 10:00 am 8:00 pm 10:00 am 8:00 pm 10:00 am. 8:00 pm 10:00 am. 8:00 pm Any eligible voters may vote at the Advance Vote, regardless if they are in the City on Election Day. ~ 65 ~

66 13. ELECTION DAY MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2013 EVERY VOTING STATION WILL OPEN AT 10:00 am AND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 8:00 pm "Voter Identification" Voter Identification will be required that contains the elector s name and current address. "Voter's List" The City of Lethbridge does not compile a Voter's List. ~ 66 ~

67 ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE 47 Eligibility to Vote (LAEA) (1) A person is eligible to vote in an election held pursuant to this Act if the person (a) is at least 18 years old, (b) is a Canadian citizen, and (c) has resided in Alberta for the 6 consecutive months immediately preceding election day and the person's place of residence is located in the area on election day. RULES OF RESIDENCE (2) Subject to subsection (3) and sections 75, 79, 81 and 83, an elector is eligible to vote only at the voting station for the voting subdivision in which the elector's place of residence is located on election day. (3) If a local authority establishes a voting station at a work site, the local authority may direct that those workers who are electors who wish to vote and who are required to work at the site during the hours for which the voting station is open shall vote at that voting station, notwithstanding that those workers do not reside in the voting subdivision in which that voting station is located. (4) In the case of the performance of any function or the exercise of any right under this Act, a person shall be a resident on the day on which that function is performed or that right is exercised in the area, ward or voting subdivision in respect of which that function is performed or that right is exercised and shall have been a resident of Alberta for the 6 consecutive months immediately preceding the day on which that function is performed or that right is exercised, unless otherwise required by this Act. Area in Section 47(1)(c) above means the area within the boundaries of a local jurisdiction 48 Rules of Residence (LAEA) (1) For the purposes of this Act, the place of residence is governed by the following rules: (a) a person may be a resident of only one place at a time for the purposes of voting under this Act; (a.1) if a person has more than one residence in Alberta, that person shall, in accordance with subsection (1.1), designate one place of residence as the person s place of residence for the purposes of this Act; (b) the residence of a person is the place where the person lives and sleeps and to which, when the person is absent, the person intends to return; (c) a person does not lose the person's residence by leaving the person's home for a temporary purpose; (d) subject to clause (e), a student who (i) attends an educational institution within or outside Alberta, (ii) temporarily rents accommodation for the purpose of attending an educational institution, and (iii) has family members who are resident in Alberta and with whom the student ordinarily resides when not attending an educational institution is deemed to reside with those family members; ~ 67 ~

68 (e) if a person leaves the area with the intention of making the person's residence elsewhere, the person loses the person's residence within the area (1.1)For the purposes of subsection (1)(a.1) a person shall designate the person s place of residence in accordance with the following factors in the following order of priority: (a) the address shown on the person s driver s licence or motor vehicle operator s license issued by or on behalf of the government of Alberta or an identification card issued by or on behalf of the Government of Alberta; (b) the address to which the person s income tax correspondence is addressed and delivered; (c) the address to which the person s mail is addressed and delivered. (2) A person who is a resident 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 is deemed to be a resident of the public school district, school division or regional division or the separate school district, school division or regional division, as the case may be, under this Act. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a person who owns and lives in the person's residence and whose residence is assessable for public school purposes or for separate school purposes under the School Act is deemed to be a resident of the public school district, school division or regional division or the separate school district, school division or regional division, as the case may be, under this Act. 44 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, (a) is a resident of the separate school district, and (b) is not a resident of the public school district. ~ 68 ~

69 VOTING TIME FOR EMPLOYEES 58 Voting time for employees (LAEA) (1) An employee who is an elector shall, while the voting stations are open on election day, have 3 consecutive hours for the purpose of casting the employee's vote. (2) If the hours of the employee's employment do not allow for 3 consecutive hours, the employee's employer shall allow the employee any additional time for voting that is necessary to provide the employee the 3 consecutive hours, but the additional time for voting is to be granted at the convenience of the employer. (3) No employer shall make any deduction from the pay of an employee nor impose on the employee or exact from the employee any penalty by reason of the employee's absence from the employee's work during the 3 consecutive hours or part of it. (4) Subsections (1), (2) and (3) do not apply if the employer provides for the attendance of an employee who is an elector at a voting station while it is open during the hours of the employee's employment with no deduction from the employee's pay and without exacting any penalty. ~ 69 ~

70 VOTING STATION LOCATIONS VOTING SUBDIVISION VOTING STATION ADDRESS 1. Trinity Reformed Church Avenue North 2. Italian Canadian Cultural Centre 1511 St. Edward Boulevard North 3. River of Life Community Church Avenue North 4. LDS Church A Avenue North 5. Galt Museum and Archives Street South 6. Assumption Church Hall Avenue South 7. LDS Church Street South 8. City Light Church Avenue South 9. LDS Church 205 Fairmont Boulevard South 10. LDS Church 560 Highlands Boulevard West 11. LDS Church 5 Jerry Potts Boulevard West 12. LDS Church 9 Keystone Terrace West 13. Maranatha Christian Reformed Church 260 McGill Boulevard West 14. Immanuel Lutheran Church 20 Rocky Mountain Boulevard West ~ 70 ~

71 14. OFFENCES 148 Prohibitions (LAEA) (1) No person shall (a) without authority supply a ballot to any person, (b) fraudulently put into a ballot box any paper other than a ballot that the person is authorized by this Act to deposit, (c) fraudulently take a ballot out of the voting station, (d) 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) 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 (b) 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. 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 ~ 71 ~

72 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. 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 $1000. ~ 72 ~

73 15. VOTING MACHINES The Local Authorities Election Act makes provision for a municipality to conduct an election and take the votes by means of voting machines, vote recorders or automated voting systems. 84 Voting Machines (LAEA) (1) An elected authority may by bylaw provide for the taking of the votes of the electors by means of voting machines, vote recorders or automated voting systems. (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the bylaw referred to in subsection (1) shall prescribe (a) the form of the ballot, (b) directions for the marking of a ballot by an elector, and (c) directions for the voting procedures to be used including the procedures to be followed (i) in the taking of the votes by any of the means provided for in subsection (1), (ii) in the examination of the ballots, by machine or otherwise, to determine which votes should be declared void, (iii) in the counting, by machine or otherwise, of the votes taken by any of the means provided for in subsection (1), and (iv) 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 provides for voting machines, Bylaw ~ 73 ~

74 16. ELECTION RESULTS UNOFFICIAL RESULTS Unofficial results are available from the Office of the City Clerk. 97 Declaration of election result (LAEA) (1) The returning official may publish unofficial results of the counting of ballots after an election as the results are received from voting stations Interim and unofficial results will be available on the City s website on Election Night. OFFICIAL RESULTS The results of the election are official and posted on the City s Website at Noon, Friday, October 25, 2013, the fourth day after the Election. Results issued prior to this are unofficial. 97 Declaration of election result (LAEA) (2) The returning officer shall, at 12 noon on the 4th day after election day, at the office of each local jurisdiction for which an election was held, (a) announce or cause to be announced, or (b) post or cause to be posted a statement of the results of the voting for candidates, including a declaration that the candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each office to be filled is elected Election Results will be posted on the City s website at ~ 74 ~

75 17. RECOUNTS RETURNING OFFICER RECOUNT On Tuesday, October 22, 2013, the Returning Officer examines the ballot account from every Voting Station in conjunction with the unofficial results. If there are sufficient valid ballots objected to or rejected ballots on which a vote has been cast to change the outcome of the election, then the Returning Officer will automatically do a recount. RECOUNTS BEFORE OFFICIAL RESULTS Recounts called immediately after Election Day must be completed before the posting of the official results of the election. That is, the recount must be completed before noon on Friday, October 25, 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 23, 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. CANDIDATE NOTIFICATION ON RECOUNT The candidates will be notified on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 of recounts called by the Returning Officer. 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 City Clerk s Office, 2 nd Floor City Hall, th Avenue South. If possible, recounts will begin at 8:00 am on the Wednesday. If required, the count will 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. ~ 75 ~

76 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. 98 Recount (LAEA) (1) The returning officer may make a recount if (a) a candidate or an official agent or a scrutineer of a candidate recognized pursuant to section 69 or, in the case of a vote on a bylaw or question, a scrutineer appointed pursuant to section 70(1) shows grounds that the returning officer considers reasonable for alleging that the record of the result of the count of votes at any voting station is inaccurate, (b) the returning officer considers that the number of (i) valid ballots objected to, or (ii) rejected ballots other than those on which no vote has been cast by an elector, was sufficient to affect the result of the election if they had not been counted or rejected, as the case may be, or (c) the returning officer is of the opinion that there may have been an administrative or technical error that may cause an error in the count of votes. (2) If the returning officer makes a recount, the returning officer shall (a) 12 hours before the recount, notify (i) any candidates who may be affected by the recount or, in the case of a vote on a bylaw or question, one scrutineer in support of the passage of the bylaw or voting in the affirmative on the question and one scrutineer in opposition to the passage of the bylaw or voting in the negative on the question, and (ii) those officers that the returning officer considers necessary to assist in the recount, (b) break the seal of the ballot box, and (c) proceed to count the ballots contained in it in the same manner as the deputy presiding at the voting station is directed to do. (3) After the recount, the returning officer shall (a) correct the ballot account if necessary, (b) place in the ballot box all the documents contained in it at the time the returning officer broke the seal, and (c) close the ballot box and seal it with the returning officer s seal. (4) An application under this section may be made during the 44 hours immediately following the closing of the voting stations but may not be made afterwards. (5) The returning officer shall complete the recount (a) in the case of an election other than a vote on a bylaw or question, prior to the time set for the declaration of the results under section 97(2), or (b) in the case of a vote on a bylaw or question, within 96 hours of the close of the voting stations on election day. ~ 76 ~

77 JUDICIAL RECOUNT (6) A declared vote under section 99 at the original count of ballots shall be counted at the recount of ballots only if the recount confirms the equality of votes among the same candidates as at the original count. (7) If the recount results in an equality of votes different from the result of the original count and it is necessary to determine which candidate is elected, section 99 applies. (8) If votes have been taken and counted under section 84, a reference in this section to a voting station is deemed to include the place where the votes were counted. There is no allowance for a judicial recount when votes are taken by means of voting machines, voting recorders, or automated voting systems. 84 Voting Machines (LAEA) (1) An elected authority may by by-law provide for the taking of the votes of the electors by means of voting machines, vote recorders or automated voting systems. (3) Sections 75, 85 and 103 to 115 do not apply when the votes of the electors are taken by any of the means provided in subsection (1). ~ 77 ~

78 18. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION & PROTECTION OF PRIVACY ACT (FOIP) WHAT IS FOIP? The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act 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, 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. When City Council or Committee meetings are held incamera, the topic to be deliberated must fall within an exception(s) to disclosure described in Division 2 of the Municipal Government Act. For more information regarding FOIP and how it relates to you, contact the City of Lethbridge FOIP Coordinator at ~ 78 ~

79 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? The identification requirements have changed for the 2013 General Election. 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 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 a judge of the court are the auditor of the City are an employee of the City; unless they are on a leave of absence owes money to the City for back taxes exceeding $ 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. ~ 1 ~

80 4. How do you become a candidate? The candidate picks up the nomination form from the City Clerk s Office, 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 City Clerk (Returning Officer) between 10:00 am and Noon on Monday, September 23, 2013 (Nomination Day), which is held four (4) weeks prior to the election. 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, and there is no election held. 5. How often are municipal elections held? Every four years on the third Monday in October. This year the election takes place on Monday, October 21, How many positions are there for each office? Mayor One (1) Councillor Eight (8) Public School Trustee Seven (7) Separate School Trustee Nine (Five from Ward 2 which includes the 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) 7. 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. ~ 2 ~

81 8. Do we have a voter's list? There is no voter's list for our municipal election. 9. 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. 10. 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. 11. How are ballots counted? Ballots are counted by a voting machine. 12. When may signs be posted on public property? Signs are permitted on public property after Monday, September 2, When may signs be posted on private property? Signs are permitted on private property anytime provided permission is obtained from the property owner. ~ 3 ~

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97 ELECTION SIGN GUIDELINES GUIDELINES FOR THE PLACEMENT OF FREE STANDING ELECTION SIGNS ON CITY OF LETHBRIDGE ROAD RIGHT OF WAY Election Sign Definition: 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. CALL BEFORE YOU DIG ALBERTA ONE CALL 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, address and if appropriate, their political affiliation Candidates must keep signs in a neat and clean appearance Location Guidelines 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 unsignalized intersection on interchange ramps (Whoop Up Drive at University Drive or Whoop Up Drive/6 Ave S 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 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 (ie. STOP or YIELD sign) Signs for the Lethbridge Municipal Election must not be placed on public property until after Monday, September 2, 2013.

98 Removal of Signs All election signs must be removed three days after Election Day, October 24, 2013 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. Contact Craig Richter at Traffic Operations, or craig.richter@lethbridge.ca to retrieve confiscated signage. 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, November 4 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 S 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 reducing driver distraction, are of 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. to 09:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 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 fourway hazard warning signal operating at all times For safety tips or advice, do not hesitate to contact Craig Richter at Traffic Operations, or craig.richter@lethbridge.ca.

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101 Legend City Boundary Restricted Alberta Transportation Railway Arterial Collector Hydrology ¹ Election Sign Restricted Locations

102 Issued: SEPT 2004 ELECTION SIGNS Revised: DEC 2006 MAR 2012 RECOMMENDED PRACTICES PART SECTION SUB-SECTION Page 1 of 3 HIGHWAY SIGNS MISCELLANEOUS SIGNS TEMPORARY General Sizes of Signs Approximately every four years, a parliament/legislature/council is dissolved and an election is called to form a new government or council. Each party or candidate competing for an electoral riding then embarks on an election campaign. During election campaigns, parties and municipal candidates place election signs along the highways to inform the voting public that they represent the constituency. For signs located within highway rights-ofway, the maximum sign size will be one and a half square metres. There is no size restriction for signs located on private property. Provisions for Sign Use Election signs are temporary signs and are only permitted from the date the election is called until three days after the election. Provincial Legislation Alberta Transportation, through the Traffic Safety Act (TSA) and the Highways Development and Protection Act (HDPA), has control over the use of traffic control devices along the provincial highways. Based on the HDPA, Highway Development and Protection Regulation (Alberta Regulation 326/2009), Section 15, the following types of signs will not be allowed: Guidelines for Use Policy/Eligibility All parties and candidates participating in the federal, provincial or municipal elections are eligible to place election signs within the provincial highway rights-of-way. a) any sign that displays an intermittent flashing, rotating or moving light; b) any sign that is flood-lighted in such a manner as to cause visual distraction to the motoring public; c) any sign that has any moving or rotating part;

103 Issued: SEPT 2004 ELECTION SIGNS Revised: DEC 2006 MAR 2012 Page 2 of 3 d) any sign that bears (i) a legend giving a command to stop, stop ahead, look, caution or similar command, or (ii) a legend that in any way imitates a standard or commonly used highway traffic sign. Based on the TSA, Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation (Alberta Regulation 304/2002), Section 110, the following regulation will apply: 110(1) A person shall not place, maintain or display in view of persons using a highway any sign, marking or device that (a) purports to be, is an imitation of or resembles a traffic control device, (b) gives any warning or direction as to the use of the highway by any person. 110(3) If a sign, marking or device is placed, maintained or displayed in contravention of subsection (1), (a) a peace officer, or (b) a person authorized by the road authority, may, without notice or compensation, remove the sign, marking or device. 110(4) For the purposes of carrying out powers under subsection (3), the person exercising those powers may enter on privately owned land. Guidelines for Placement In general, election signs should be placed as far from the shoulder line as practical, always allowing the traveling public to have an unobstructed view of the roadway. The following specific criteria should be applied when locating election signs along the highway: Signs must be placed no closer than two metres from the edge of pavement (or, in the case of gravel roads, no closer than two metres from the shoulder of the road). During winter conditions, there is a high probability that signs less than six metres from the road will be either covered with snow or damaged during snow removal and sanding operations. No election signs will be allowed within the median of a divided provincial highway. No election signs shall be mounted on highway signs or sign posts. These signs will be removed immediately. No election signs shall be placed in or within 500 metres of construction zones. No election signs shall be placed within 50 metres of an intersection in an urban area and within 250 metres of an intersection in a rural area. Safety Precautions Persons installing election signs must use safety precautions so as not to cause vehicle collisions.

104 Issued: SEPT 2004 ELECTION SIGNS Revised: DEC 2006 MAR 2012 Page 3 of 3 All persons working near the highway should wear reflective vests and bright clothing. Election signs should be installed during daylight hours only. Vehicles used for transporting the signs must be parked so as to minimize the impact to the travelling public (preferably on an approach), as far as possible from the travel lanes, and have four-way hazard warning signals operating at all times. Removal of Election Signs All election signs should be removed three days after the election has ended. The removal should include the sign panel, supporting structure and any wiring used to install and support the sign. Sign fragments (i.e., tie wires, posts), when not removed properly, may cause damage to highway maintenance equipment. Usually campaign offices are given a day to respond to the notification. Failure to respond within the specified time will result in the sign being removed. Signs will be stored at the nearest highway maintenance facility or Alberta Transportation district office. The campaign office will be notified to arrange to have the signs picked up. Signs that pose immediate hazard to the public will be removed immediately by the department maintenance contractors without notification. Alberta Transportation will not be responsible for any signs damaged during the removal process. The campaign office is responsible for installing and removing election signs. For more information contact the nearest Alberta Transportation district office listed on the following web page: When removal of an election sign is necessary due to safety or operational concerns, the appropriate Alberta Transportation district office will notify the campaign office to take the required action.

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109 Form 21 Campaign Disclosure Statement and Financial Statement Local Authorities Election Act (Section , 147.3, 147.4) MUNICIPALITY: Full Name of Candidate: Candidates Mailing Address: CITY OF LETHBRIDGE, PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, Alberta Postal Code NOTE: If a candidate s entire election campaign is funded exclusively out of the candidate s own funds and the candidate s funds are not more than $10 000, under Section of the Local Authorities Election Act, the candidate is not required to file this document or open and deposit the funds into a campaign account. To ensure you are not noted as being in default of filing a statement, if you meet the criteria of self-funding under $10,000 please complete the Self- Funded Campaign Voluntary Statement. This form, including any contributor information from line 2, is a public document. Campaign Period Revenue CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS: 1. Total amount of contributions of $ or less $ 2. Total amount of all contributions of $ and greater, together with the contributor s name and address (attach listing and amount) $ NOTE: For lines 1 and 2, include all money and valued personal property, real property or service contributions. 3. Deduct total amount of contributions returned 4. NET CONTRIBUTIONS (line ) OTHER SOURCES: 5. Total amount contributed out of candidate s own funds 6. Total net amount received from fund-raising functions 7. Transfer of any surplus or deficit from a candidate s previous election campaign 8. TOTAL OTHER SOURCES (add lines 5, 6 and 7) 9. Total Campaign Pe 10. riod Revenue (add lines 4 and 8) Campaign Period Expenditures 11. Campaign Period Expenses Paid $ Unpaid $ TOTAL $ Campaign Period Surplus (Deficit) (deduct line 10 from line 9) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ ATTESTATION OF CANDIDATE This is to certify that to the best of my knowledge, this document and all attachments accurately reflect the information required under section of the Local Authorities Election Act. Signature of Candidate Date Forward the signed original of this document to the Office of the City Clerk, City of Lethbridge, 2 nd Floor, City Hall, Avenue South, Lethbridge Alberta T1J 0P6 on or before March 1, IT IS AN OFFENCE TO SIGN A FALSE STATEMENT

110 Form 21 Campaign Disclosure Statement and Financial Statement Local Authorities Election Act (Section , 147.3, 147.4) If a candidate does not file nomination papers before the next General Election, the Candidate shall within 6 months after date of the General Election donate any surplus to a registered charity or to the City of Lethbridge or clear any deficit incurred. Your personal information is being collected under the authority of Sections , and of the Local Authorities Election Act and will be used to confirm the payment of campaign expenses and collection of campaign contributions. This information will be made available for viewing to the general public during regular business hours. If you have any questions about the collection of the use of your personal information, please contact Aleta Neufeld, City Clerk at CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS with contributions of $ or greater NAME ADDRESS AMOUNT *Attach as many copies as required LGS0002 (2013/04)

111 SELF-FUNDED CAMPAIGN VOLUNTARY STATEMENT NAME OF MUNICIPALITY: THE CITY OF LETHBRIDGE, PROVINCE OF ALBERTA Full name of Candidate: Candidate for Election as: (Choose One) Chief Elected Official (Mayor) Councillor This is to confirm that I have funded my campaign completely from my own personal resources to an amount that did not exceed $10,000 and have not accepted contributions from any other person or entity. Therefore, pursuant to section of the Local Authorities Election Act, R.S.A. 2000, I am not filing a disclosure or financial statement. Signature of Candidate Date of Signature Forward the signed original of this document to the Office of the City Clerk, City of Lethbridge, 2 nd Floor, Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0P6 on or before March 1, 2014.

112 LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 Approved: April 23, Campaign Contributions and Campaign Expense Disclosure Policy All Board of Trustee campaign contributions and campaign expenses shall be documented in a manner that maintains openness and accountability to members of the public. Regulations Election Statements 1. Each candidate is responsible to keep: 1.1. proper records of all campaign contributions and campaign expenses incurred during the campaign period; and 1.2. A record of the value of every campaign contribution, whether in the form of money, goods or services, and of the name and address of the contributor. 2. On or before the last working day in December in the election year that the candidate ran for office, (or the 90 th day following a by-election) each candidate must disclose to the public, by filing with the Associate Superintendent Business Affairs: 2.1. a statutory declaration as required by Schedule A stating their campaign contributions and expenses; 2.2. an itemized list of all campaign contributions as required by Schedule B ; and 2.3. an itemized list of all campaign expenses as required by Schedule C. 200 Board of Trustees Page 1 of 5

113 LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 Anonymous Contributions 3. On or before December 1 st in the election year that the candidate ran for office (or the 60 th day following a by-election) all anonymous contributions received by the candidate which individually exceeds the amount or value of $500.00: 3.1. must be returned by the candidate to the contributor if the contributor s identity can be established; or 3.2. if the contributor s identity cannot be established, the candidate must deposit all such contributions with the Associate Superintendent Business Affairs for deposit with a registered Canadian charitable organization(s) of the candidate s choice as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada). Surplus Contributions 4. Any surplus identified in the Statutory Declaration (Schedule A ) must be deposited with the Associate Superintendent Business Affairs for deposit with a registered Canadian charitable organization(s) of the candidate s choice as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) on or before the last working day in December in the election year that the candidate ran for office, (or the 90 th day following a by-election). Associate Superintendent Business Affairs Duties 5. The Associate Superintendent Business Affairs must keep a register of all statements. Penalties 6. Any candidate who contravenes a provision of this policy must forfeit and pay a penalty which shall belong to Lethbridge School District No. 51. The penalties are as follows: 6.1. Filing an incomplete or inaccurate statement: $ fine 6.2. Failing to file a statement: $ fine 200 Board of Trustees Page 2 of 5

114 LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 SCHEDULE A STATUTORY DECLARATION OF CANDIDATES FOR TRUSTEE WITH LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 I, of (name) (address) In the Province of Alberta, do solemnly declare: 1. That I was a candidate for the position of Trustee for Lethbridge School District No. 51, in the election held on the day of, 2. That the following is a true account of all the campaign expenses and campaign contributions incurred by me or by my agent on my behalf in respect of the aforesaid election: a) Campaign Contributions Received: $ b) Campaign Expenses Incurred: $ c) Total Surplus (Deficit): $ All as shown on the attached Schedules B and C. 3. That I have no reason to believe that any monies other than those listed above have been expended by me or with my authority and consent or by any person for the purpose of assisting me in the election. 4. That I make this solemn declaration conscientiously, believing it to be true and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath. Declared before me at ) ) in the Province of Alberta ) ) This day of ) Signature of Candidate ) ) (To be declared before a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, or a Commissioner of Oaths in and for the Province of Alberta) The personal information required on this form is being collected under Policy 207. The information will only be used to fulfill the requirements of Policy 207 Campaign Contributions and Campaign Expense Disclosure. If you have any questions about the use of this form, contact the Associate Superintendent Business Affairs, th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 2Z Board of Trustees Page 3 of 5

115 LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 Schedule B LISTING OF CUMULATIVE CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS FROM CONTRIBUTORS EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN $ (INCLUDING ANONYMOUS CONTRIBUTIONS) I have accepted campaign contributions equal to or greater than $ towards my campaign expenses from the following contributors and in the following cumulative amounts: (use additional copies of this page if required) CONTRIBUTOR AMOUNT SUB TOTAL VALUE OF CONTRIBUTIONS (the identity of the Donor not being required to be disclosed, i.e., less than $500) TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED I declare the above statement is a true account of all the campaign contributions received by me or my agent on my behalf. (Signature of Candidate) 200 Board of Trustees Page 4 of 5

116 LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 Schedule C LISTING OF CAMPAIGN EXPENSES EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN $ I have expended campaign funds equal to or greater than $ in the following amounts: (use additional copies of this page if required) PAYEE AMOUNT SUB TOTAL VALUE OF EXPENSES (the identity of the Vendor not being required to be disclosed, i.e., less than $250.00) TOTAL CAMPAIGN EXPENSES I declare the above statement is a true account of all the campaign funds expended by me or my agent on my behalf. (Signature of Candidate) 200 Board of Trustees Page 5 of 5

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