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
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.