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Running for Municipal Council

It is important to think about how you can best serve your community and understand the expectations and responsibilities of being a council member.


Expectations

Reeves and Councillors are expected to provide leadership; and to serve and act on behalf of all citizens in the community. Being a council member requires a time commitment. The term of office for council members is four years. During that time, council members are expected to:

  • Learn their roles and responsibilities as a member of council and understand the role of the municipality’s administration;
  • Prepare for and attend meetings;
  • Learn the municipality’s policies, procedures, and bylaws;
  • With the support of administration, be familiar with applicable legislation;
  • Attend educational opportunities (conferences, seminars, workshops and conventions);
  • Attend events that promote the municipality, as required; and
  • Receive feedback from and communicate to the public.

 

Responsibilities

All council members must:

  • Represent their citizens and consider the well-being and interest of the municipality as a whole;
  • Contribute to the development and evaluation of policies and programs of the municipality;
  • Participate in meetings and contribute to decision-making;
  • Follow the rules set out by municipal legislation, bylaws and policies that govern how council members exercise their authority;
  • Ensure administrative practices and procedures are in place to implement the decisions of council – council is the policy maker and not to be involved in operational matters;
  • Keep certain matters confidential until discussed at a meeting open to the public; and
  • Maintain the financial integrity of the municipality.

 

The mayor/reeve has a few additional responsibilities including:

  • Chairing the council meetings and maintaining the order and conducting of debate, ensures meeting procedures are followed and encourages the expression of differing viewpoints;
  • Has the ability to call a special meeting; and
  • Is the ‘head’ of the municipality as defined under The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Often the reeve/mayor will delegate this responsibility to administration.

 

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do I want to be on council?
  2. How will I contribute to my municipality?
  3. What are my objectives and do they reflect the needs of my municipality?
  4. How will I work with my colleagues even if we have different points of view?
  5. Do I have time to dedicate to being a member of council?