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Elections

General elections are held every four years. The RM of Prince Albert elections are held in order to elect a Reeve and 6 Councillors, one for each of the RM's Divisions. The next election will take place in 2026 for Divisions 2, 4 and 6.

2024 Election Results

Nomination

To run in a municipal election, you must file a nomination paper with the returning officer or nomination officer by the deadline specified in the ‘Notice of Call for Nominations’ posted by the RM of Prince Albert.

To obtain the nomination paper, either contact the Municipal Centre, or find it on the Permits & Forms page.
Obtain a criminal record check. This is required at the time of submission.
Obtain required signatures, which will be specified on the nomination paper.
Complete candidate acceptance form, which will be part of the nomination paper.

Qualifications for Candidates

As per section 42 of the Local Government Elections Act, 2015.

(1) A person is eligible to be nominated as a candidate in a municipal election and to hold office as a member of council if the person:

(a) is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election;

(b) is not disqualified pursuant to this or any other Act;

(d) has resided in Saskatchewan for at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the date on which he or she submitted the nomination paper and:

(i) in the case of a municipality other than a rural municipality or a resort village, has resided in that municipality, or on land now in that municipality, for at least three consecutive months immediately preceding the date on which he or she submitted the nomination paper; or

(ii) in the case of a resort village:

(A) has resided in that resort village, or on land now in that resort village, for at least three consecutive months immediately preceding the date on which he or she submitted the nomination paper; or

(B) is the assessed person with respect to property in the resort village, or property now situated in the resort village, pursuant to section 207 of The Municipalities Act, for at least three consecutive months immediately preceding the date on which he or she submitted the nomination paper; or

(e) in a rural municipality, subject to subsection 72(1): (i) resides in Saskatchewan; and (ii) is eligible to vote in the rural municipality.

(i) resides in Saskatchewan; and

(ii) is eligible to vote in the rural municipality.

(2) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations respecting any other matter necessary for determining a person’s eligibility as a candidate.

Disqualifications for Candidates

As per Section 43 of the Local Government Elections Act, 2015.

(1) None of the following persons are eligible to be nominated or elected or to hold office as a member of a council:

(a) a judge of any court;

(b) an auditor or solicitor of the municipality

(2) No person is disqualified from being nominated or elected or from holding office as a member of a council by reason of:

(a) having an interest in a contract with the municipality; or

(b) undertaking the duties of a volunteer firefighter on behalf of the municipality.

(3) The following persons may seek nomination to the council, the board or a joint board, as defined in The Education Act, 1995, with which the person is employed if the person has first obtained a leave of absence in accordance with clause 2‑54(1)(a) of The Saskatchewan Employment Act:

(a) an employee of the municipality;

(b) an employee of a board or commission appointed by a council;

(d) an employee of the joint board.

(4) Notwithstanding clause 2-54(1)(c) of The Saskatchewan Employment Act, an employee described in subsection (3) who is elected is deemed to have resigned from his or her position of employment on the day before the day on which he or she is declared elected unless for any reason the results of the election are overturned.

Considerations Before Running for 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

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

Voting Eligibility

A person can be registered as a voter in The Rural Municipality of Prince Albert if they, on election day:

are a Canadian Citizen;
are the full age of 18 years;
have resided in the RM of Prince Albert for at least three consecutive months immediately proceeding the day of election; or
are the registered owner of land in the RM of Prince Albert; or
are assessed with respect to land in the RM of Prince Albert pursuant to a lease, license, permit or contract in agreement with the registered owner; or
are assessed with respect to an improvement in the RM of Prince Albert; or
are the holder of a permit in the RM of Prince Albert with respect to a trailer or mobile home; or
are the spouse of a person mentioned in clause (b), (c), (d), (e); or
are the chief executive officer of a duly incorporated co-operative, corporation or religious association that is assessed on the last revised assessment roll with respect to property in the RM of Prince Albert that is not exempt from taxation.