Running for Municipal Council

In Saskatchewan, members of council are elected to four-year terms, which means general elections are held every four years.

Rural municipalities hold their general elections every two years on a rotational basis:

• In 2024, general elections will be held for reeves and odd-numbered division councillors.
• In 2026, general elections will be held for even-numbered division councillors.

If a council member, mayor or reeve chooses not to complete their four-year term, the municipality will schedule a byelection to fill that position.

You may wish to review information provided to administrators about Election Dates and Workshops for Municipalities, as well as Voting in a municipal election.

A municipality is the level of government that is closest to the people it serves and understands their needs the best.

The elected council is the governing body of the municipality. Elected officials make decisions by passing resolutions or enacting bylaws. Bylaws are the laws of the municipality.

Council establishes policies about what essential core services to provide, how those services will be delivered and at what levels.

Resources

Visit the About the Saskatchewan Municipal System page for more information about the types and numbers of municipalities in our province.

To help you understand the powers and responsibilities of elected council and municipal staff in Saskatchewan, please watch the videos below which references these documents:

• The Cities Act
• The Municipalities Act
• The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010
• Fact sheet: Governance and Accountability of Council

You must be eligible to run as a candidate in your municipality. Eligibility requirements can be found under Election Procedures for Municipalities.

If elected as a member of council, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of your municipality. To maintain the public’s trust and confidence in their local government, both candidates and elected officials must complete a public disclosure statement. (Read the Municipal Public Disclosure Guide and review sample public disclosure statement forms.)

Public disclosure statements assure the public that, when you are elected to office, council’s decisions are made in the best interests of the municipality. Elected officials are also required to:

• Submit an Oath or Affirmation of Office before carrying out any power, duty or function of council; and
• Abide by the municipality’s Code of Ethics and Council Procedures bylaws. View examples by visiting Bylaw Samples.

Watch the third video in our “Consider Running for Municipal Council" video series to see if becoming a councillor is the right fit for you.

Rules regarding the nomination process and proper campaign procedures can be found within The Local Government Elections Act, 2015 and its Regulations. Also check with your municipality to review any bylaws regarding election campaigns.

The returning officer for your municipality’s election will publish and post a Notice of Call for Nomination.

You can file your nomination anytime during regular office hours from the time the call for nomination is posted until the deadline listed in the notice.

Contact your municipality to determine what forms you will need to complete as part of your nomination form package. At a minimum, the package will include a nomination form and public disclosure statement.

If you are a government employee, you will need to refer to and follow requirements listed in the following Acts:

• Municipal Employees
  An employee wishing to seek a seat on council needs to refer to Section 43 of The Local Government Election Act, 2015. Employees should also make note of Section 2-54 of The Saskatchewan Employment Act and its other related provisions.
• Provincial Employees
  Refer to Section 2-54 of The Saskatchewan Employment Act and its other related provisions.
• Federal Employees
  Refer to Part 7 of The Public Service Employment Act and its related provisions. Employees should also make note of Section 2-54 of The Saskatchewan Employment Act and its related provisions.

Avoid submitting your nomination form package right before the deadline in case there is missing information. Incomplete nomination forms will not be accepted. If you wait until the last minute, you may not have time to correct any errors.

Watch the final video in the “Consider Running for Municipal Council" video series for information about how to run for council, campaigning and key documents required after election.

When campaigning, remember that:

• Every printed advertisement referencing an election must contain the name and address of the person who has authorized its printing, display and distribution.
• No candidate, agent or other person shall canvass or solicit votes in a polling place or within 100 metres of the building where the poll is held and when the polls are open.

As mentioned above, if you are elected to municipal council, you must take an Oath or Affirmation of Office in the prescribed form prior to carrying out any power, duty or function as a member of that council. Within 30 days of being elected, you will need to submit another public disclosure statement to meet the legislative requirements.

You are encouraged to learn more about your new role and responsibilities by reading the following information:

• Conflict of Interest
  Read the requirements about conflict of interest disclosures by municipal officials and elected leaders in Saskatchewan.
• Council Procedures
  Information on municipal council procedures.
• Information for New Municipal Council Members
  Help for you as a new municipal council member to represent the residents in your community.
• Council Member’s Handbook for Municipalities
  This handbook will tell you what to expect during your term of office.
• Governance and Accountability of Council - What you need to know
  This short guide explains the role and powers of a municipality, of council and of administrators. It also explains how private citizens can participate in council decisions.