Some prospective St. Albert public officials got a tutorial this week on what to expect for the upcoming campaign.
The City of St. Albert ran its first virtual candidate information session on the evening of March 25 for potential candidates running in the upcoming municipal election.
Marta Caufield, the city's returning officer for the 2025 municipal election, ran the session over Zoom, giving an introduction to some of the important aspects and legislation involved with running for municipal government.
"The information that's being provided today is not legal advice, and it is being provided to the candidates or people interested in running for the election, as a courtesy," Caufield said. She said it is the candidates' responsibility to ensure they meet deadlines and legislative requirements as outlined in the Municipal Government Act and the Local Authorities Election Act.
"If candidates have any questions that our election team is unable to answer, or you require more guidance than what we are able to offer, please think about seeking legal advice independently," she said.
The municipal election will be held on Oct. 20, 2025, with advance voting from Oct. 14 to 18. Candidates can file their Notice of Intent at any time until nomination day, which is noon on Sept. 22. The deadline for withdrawal is Sept. 23 at noon.
Eligibility is the same as voter eligibility, meaning candidates must be at least 18 years old on nomination day, they must be a Canadian citizen, and they must reside in the city of St. Albert for at least six months preceding nomination day.
Municipalities are also now required to create and maintain a permanent electors register.
The city is also expanding special — also known as mail-in — ballots this time around. Any resident who is unable to vote at an advanced vote or a voting station on election day may apply for a special ballot, as long as their name is contained on the permanent electors register.
Contribution limits were a significant source of questions during the question and answer portions of the Zoom call. Municipal candidates can self finance up to a maximum of $10,000 per campaign period. The campaign period for the 2025 municipal election is from Oct. 31 2024 to Dec. 31 2025.
Individuals may contribute up to $5,000 per year to all candidates in a particular municipality. Individuals can only contribute their own funds to a candidate.
"It is not permissable for individuals to contribute funds that they have been given by another person or organization to give on their behalf," Caufield said.
Corporations, trade unions or an employee organization are limited to $5,000 per campaign period to all candidates in a particular municipality. Caufield also noted that contributions not tax deductible.
Election signs may be posted by candidates or their agents after nomination day, and they must be removed within 48 hours after the close of voting stations. Caufield said more details on signs would be given at a future information session.
Starting October 2025, following the municipal election, being a city councillor will be designated as a full-time position. Councillors will also be receiving a $30,000 raise, bringing their salary up to $86,000.
Coun. Wes Brodhead thinks the new designation will change the perception of a councillor's job.
"I think there's going to be an expectation of enhanced visibility of what they do for the job, so that's different this time," Brodhead said.
Coun. Mike Killick hopes the new designation and increase in salary will lead for some to see it as a good opportunity.
"Maybe open it up to some younger people that would be looking for a job and salary that could pay the rent and pay groceries and pay the gas bill. So hopefully it opens it up to more people," Killick said.
The next candidate information session will be held in June. For more information on the election process, including information for candidates, visit https://stalbert.ca/cosa/elections-census/election/.
