The B.C. government is pushing longer terms for municipal politicians that would bring the province in line with the rest of Canada.
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes announced Tuesday the government is introducing legislation to extend terms from three years to four beginning with the November elections.
“Local governments need enough time to plan and complete projects that build strong, inclusive communities,” Oakes, a former city councillor, said in a statement.
If approved, the legislation would push the following election to October 2018.
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities passed a resolution last year supporting extended terms for local government. The move is also backed by the BC School Trustees Association.
Oakes said prolonged terms are just one part of an election reform package aiming to modernize financing rules ahead of this year’s elections.
