Want to run for mayor or council? Here's how, and how much you'd make in Vancouver
Weeks before Vancouver voters head to the polls to choose their next mayor, the city has published a how-to guide for those interested in throwing their hat in the ring.
According to the city, it's not that difficult to become a candidate – though of course success depends on a variety of factors.
Candidates need to fill out nomination documents and meet a short list of criteria, but the process itself is fairly simple.
WHAT JOBS ARE AVAILABLE?
In October, voters will be choosing the next mayor of Vancouver.
Additionally, they'll be selecting 10 city councillors. Also up for election on Oct. 15 are seven park board commissioners and nine school trustees.
Each office is held for a four-year term and includes the benefits, as listed by the city, of contributing to the betterment of the community, providing leadership, serving and acting on behalf of the community, making policies and approving spending.
Also on the ballot this year are three questions about the city's capital budget.
HOW MUCH WOULD I MAKE?
According to the city, the mayor makes about $185,000 a year, based on recent rates, and councillors make $92,000.
Candidates nominating themselves for these roles should expect a 30- to 55-hour work week that includes evening meetings.
Park board commissioners this year are earning about $18,700, while the chair of the board makes $23,000. Successful candidates for these jobs work between 20 and 30 hours a week, the city said.
School board trustees should expect an annual salary of $32,000, or $35,000 for the chair. The time commitment is an average of 20 to 25 hours.
DO I QUALIFY?
There's actually no political experience or special background required to run, the city says.
To run for mayor, council or other office, candidates must be Canadian citizens aged 18 or older as of the election day.
They have to have lived in British Columbia for at least six months before the date of their nomination.
They also can't be subject to disqualifications outlined in the city's charter. Those disqualifications are:
- judges of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court or Provincial Court;
- employees of the city (with exceptions outlined in Section 39 of the Charter);
- those disqualified under the provincial Local Government Act or Community Charter;
- those disqualified under the Local Elections Campaign Financial Act; and
- those disqualified "under any other enactment."
Section 39 refers to employees and salaried officers of the city, and outlines some specific actions an employee would need to take in order to run for office.
Most members of the public will meet the criteria.
WHAT DO I DO?
The city says these documents can be downloaded online or picked up in person. They must be submitted during the official nomination period, which is between Aug. 30 and Sept. 9.
They can't just be dropped off or emailed in. An appointment with the chief election officer needs to be made in advance by calling 604-829-2010.
Candidates who need help beforehand can head to Vancouver's election office at 305 West 8th Ave., where staff can help them navigate the process. Alternatively, they can call 311, or watch one of several previously recorded "candidate 101 sessions." Things to keep in mind ahead of a campaign include the Local Elections Campaign Financial Act, which limits sponsorship contributions, among other things.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Juror dismissed in Trump hush money trial as prosecutors ask for former president to face contempt
Prosecutors in the hush money trial of Donald Trump asked Thursday for the former president to be held in contempt and fined because of seven social media posts that they said violated a judge's gag order barring him from attacking witnesses.
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part
In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Getting the lowest mortgage rates in a high interest rate world
The challenges facing home buyers mean it's all the more important to do research and negotiate on rates, mortgage experts say, though they also caution that there's more to focus on than just what looks like the cheapest upfront option.