Changes to Municipal Elections Act

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, announced important changes to the Municipal Elections Act. During the spring sitting of the House of Assembly, government amended the act to address two issues - the potential occurrence of a municipal candidate being elected posthumously or after withdrawing his or her nomination, and enabling municipalities to establish limits on campaign contributions and spending.

"This amendment to the act will allow councils, if they find themselves in a position whereby a councilor is elected posthumously, to fill the seat with the candidate with the next highest number of votes," said Minister Byrne. "This erases the need for a costly by-election and, more importantly, ensures that every candidate is on equal footing."

It is important that the voting public is aware of this change as it could have a bearing on how they vote for a candidate. If a candidate dies or withdraws his or her nomination after the ballots are printed, then that candidate will still be on the ballot. Inadvertently, many voters may choose to vote for this person. Voters must be aware of this amendment so that they can take this under consideration when they vote.

"It is also necessary for the returning officer to make these changes clear to all candidates and the voting public prior to the commencement of voting," said Minister Byrne. "Everybody must be made aware of these changes."

The other amendment to the Municipal Elections Act will enable municipalities to establish by-laws limiting the amount of money contributed and spent during municipal elections. This is an issue which was raised by municipalities themselves so that they could limit campaign expenses and contributions from individuals and corporate entities. Government supports the choices municipalities will have to make to establish their own limits. This is an issue which should be handled at the local level without provincial involvement.

"Both of these changes are very positive," said Minister Byrne. "They both provide for a more equitable playing field for candidates during the election process."

Minister Byrne added that he encourages anybody who is even thinking remotely about running for municipal politics to give it strong consideration. "Municipal politics is extremely rewarding and it is important for our democratic society to have as many candidates as possible step forward to run for municipal councils."

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-1983, 682-6593

2005 05 25                                  10:55 a.m.