Candidates information sessions are planned next month for anyone considering running for office in the 2018 municipal elections.
Sessions will be held at Aboyne Hall at the Wellington County Museum, 536 Wellington Road 18, Fergus on April 12 at 6:30pm and April 19 at 7pm.
Hosted by Wellington County and member municipalities in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs, the sessions will provide information on topics such as: qualifications and requirements, financial obligations, candidate duties and responsibilities, role of council and the role of municipal staff.
There is no charge to attend and no registration is required.
“This candidate information workshop will give you an understanding of council’s roles and responsibilities. It will also explain how duties and responsibilities of public office will impact your life,” organizers state.
Officials recommend the sessions be attended by potential candidates and their spouses or partners and anyone interested in learning about municipal government.
Centre Wellington clerk/manager of legislative services Kerri O’Kane advises candidates would benefit from attending both sessions.
“The sessions are very different and potential candidates are encouraged to attend both,” she stated in an email to the Community News.
“Current sitting members of council are encouraged to attend the April 12 meeting as there have been significant changes to the Municipal Elections Act,” she added.
Staff from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs will be in attendance at the April 12 session to review the changes to the legislation in such areas as campaign finances and contributions, third party advertising, changes to filing nominations and financial obligations.
O’Kane notes the April 19 session is geared more towards potential candidates. The guest speaker Fred Dean, a lawyer specializing in municipalities and municipal association will explain such topics as municipal powers, roles and responsibilities, the difference between governance and administration, conflict of interest, impact on family life, legislation and regulations.
The nomination period for the 2018 Ontario municipal elections begins May 1 and the last day to file or withdraw nominations is June 27. Election day is officially Oct. 22, but voting via such methods as mail and telephone will begin earlier.
