(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Candidate School

SUMA offering ‘Candidate School’ for prospective municipal election candidates

Aug 23, 2024 | 6:00 AM

The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) is offering some information for people thinking of running in the civic elections this fall.

The organization is holding a virtual Candidate School next month that looks to give insight to prospective municipal election candidates.

Chief Executive Officer Jean-Marc Nadeau told northeastNOW that SUMA has offered the course in prior election years.

“This is something that we feel is important to help those candidates that are either debating whether to run or not, or those that are really interested,” explained Nadeau.

According to Nadeau, the ‘school’ gives those interested a chance to learn more about what to expect while on council.

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“You’re part of a team, your voice is important, and councils want to hear from it, but you’re not the only voice at the table,” he said.

The candidate school is also a way to learn more about the proper procedures and other aspects of municipal politics, especially since council meetings are often not well attended by the public.

Municipal election voter turnout is also often well below 50 per cent, despite municipalities having more control over issues like property tax and infrastructure.

“From an infrastructure standpoint if you have a pothole, you’re not going to call the premier of the province, you’re going to call the mayor or councillor in your ward or in your community,” Nadeau explained.

Nadeau says SUMA’s surveys indicate there is an appreciation for the type of material prospective candidates get and what they learn from the sessions.

The first session Sept. 11 will feature lawyers discussing legal requirements and how councils must operate within a legal framework. The second session Sept. 17 is a mock council meeting, with a mayor chairing the meeting to ensure the proper decorum and bylaws are respected.

Nadeau said the information is relatively general as municipalities have some leeway as to how they can hold council meetings.

“Every municipality runs a little bit differently, they all have their own operating procedures,” said Nadeau.

You can register for the virtual Candidate School here, and Nadeau says anyone with questions can contact SUMA.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com