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
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.