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Created by: Women in Politics in partnership with PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise

ELECTIONS AND

CAMPAIGN TOOLKIT

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OVERVIEW: This toolkit was developed for anyone looking to become involved in political elections and campaigns in Canada. This toolkit is designed to help a potential candidate or volunteer understand and navigate the different elections and the varied methods of campaigning.

The information is a brief introduction to elections and campaigning and any further help should be sought from a mentor, politician, account or lawyer depending on the circumstances.

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ELECTIONS:

Elections

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Elections

In Canada, there are three different levels of government, municipal, provincial/territorial, and federal. The election processes for all three vary in rules and regulations. It is important for students to understand how elections work, as they are a cornerstone of Canada’s democracy. Elections have created historical movements and shape the future for all citizens.

Here is a brief breakdown chart of the different election policies:

Municipal1 Provincial2 Federal3

When are the elections?

Held every four years on the fourth Monday of October.

Held every four years on the first Thursday of June.

Held every four years on the third Monday of October.

Who is eligible?

-Canadian citizens who are 18 years or older -Must be a resident or property owner within the municipality

-Canadian citizens who are 18 years or older -Must be a resident in Ontario for six months before Election Day

-Canadian citizens who are 18 years or older

-You do not need to reside in your electoral district

How do I know where to vote?

A list of places to vote will be detailed in local media or on your voter card

A Notice of Registration Card by mail will tell you when and where you can vote

Your voting information card will detail where and when you can vote

How many people do I vote for?

Varied (some areas have ranked ballot or a mix of at-large and ward councillors)

One One

1 "Ontario Municipal Elections," AMO - Ontario Municipal Elections, 2017. 2 "Voting in Ontario," Elections Ontario , 2017. 3 "Redistribution of the Federal Electoral Districts." Elections Canada. June 08, 2016.

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Municipal Elections: Municipal elections are held every four years and affect how your municipality is run. In a municipal election, you will be voting for your at-large or ward councillor(s) as well as the mayor/ reeve of your municipality. Most large municipalities are divided into wards with the exception of Thunder Bay, which is divided into both at-large, and ward constituency system.4 Small municipalities such as Fort Frances, Ontario usually host at-large elections rather than wards. Although these rules are not binding it is up to the municipality how it decides to divide community areas and responsibilities.

How is a constituency created?

Municipal councils are usually the ones to decide where the lines are drawn for the constituencies.5

What is an at-large system?

At-large means that every voter in the municipality elects all councillors. The Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) states that, “In an election, the voters choose among all candidates who are running in the election. If municipal council has 8 councillor positions, for example, the 8 candidates with the highest number of votes win the election and become the new councillors.”6

What is a ward system?

Every municipality is different. Some wards may have two elected officials and others may only have one.7 Only those citizens who live in the ward can vote for the candidates in their ward. So according to the AMO, “if a municipality has 8 council members and 4 wards, 2 councillors will be elected from each ward. Each voter chooses 2 candidates from among the candidates running in that ward. In each ward, the two candidates with the highest number of votes will serve on municipal council.”8

4 Andrew Sancton. Studying Public Policy: Policy Cycles and Policy Subsystems. (Don Mills: Oxford University Press, 2015),188. 5 Ibid., 176. 6 "Ontario Municipal Elections," AMO - Ontario Municipal Elections, 2017. 7 Ibid., 2017. 8 Ibid., 2017.

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The Status of the Mayor:

Mayors tend to be directly elected by the voters in municipalities across Canada save for some municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Even though mayors are seen as the heads of councils, they do not truly have any control over areas such as administration and many only hold the same powers as that of their fellow councillors.

So what does your municipal government do for you?

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Provincial Elections:

Provincial elections are held every four years and determine how the province will be run for the duration of said government. In an Ontario provincial election the person you vote for is called a Member of Provincial Parliament (depending on the province or territory the name of the member of government will change as most are Members of Legislative Assembly). However, you do not directly elect the Premier as she or he will have been elected leader within the political party they represent. Each Member of Provincial Parliament belongs to an electoral district currently in Ontario there are 224 ridings.9

How are the constituencies decided?

There are many processes that go into deciding the location and reach of ridings.

Primarily at first, it was based on population. However, this left many communities underrepresented as the Northern regions of Ontario have larger ridings due to the low population, which mean that the voices of the northern communities were being lost within the issues that affected the more populated communities in Northern Ontario.10 Population along with geography are therefore the main determinants of where ridings are located.

Follow this link to see where your electoral district is! Electoral Maps for Ontario

9 "Electoral District Maps and Information." Elections Ontario . 2015. 10 Keith Leslie, "Could new ridings improve service to First Nations communities ?" CBCnews, November 25, 2016.

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So what does your provincial government do for you?

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Federal Elections:

Federal elections are also held every four years. The scope of the federal government in Canada is quite large, as it must encompass the necessities that every province and territory requires. The federal government consists of 338 electoral constituencies and one candidate is elected from each.

In federal elections just like provincial, you get to vote for your Member of Parliament, but not the Prime Minister. She or he will have already been elected leader of their political party.

How federal constituencies are decided:

Once again, population and geography play a major role in where constituency lines are drawn. When the decennial census is conducted and the population stats are updated the boundaries of a constituency can possibly change depending on how much the population has increased.11 All of which has to be in accordance, with the Constitution and Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act.12

Video link for learning about Canada’s Electoral System:

Canada's Electoral System

11 Redistribution of the Federal Electoral Districts," Elections Canada, June 08, 2016. 12 Ibid., 2016.

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So what does your federal government do for you?

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First Nations Elections:

Elections on First Nations are held every two years and the methods vary between four different methods depending on the First Nation. The four different ways the chief and council can be elected are as follows:

1. Following the steps outlined in the Indian Act and the Indian Band Election Regulations

2. Using the new and optional First Nations Elections Act 3. According to a community's constitution as part of a self-government

agreement 4. Using a community leadership selection process (also called "band

custom")13

For a better understanding of the differences between the Indian Band Election Regulations and the First Nations Election Act, follow the link listed below:

Comparison Chart

Community Election System:

The communities may do a conversion to a community election process if they hold their elections under the Indian Act election system and ask the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs to issue an order that removes the First Nation from the application of the act's electoral provisions.14 These new codes are often very specific to the First Nation.15

Self Government Election System:

Self-governing First Nations are not under the Indian Act instead they establish their own laws and policies for their communities that incorporate their cultures and traditions, including leadership selection.16 Self-governing First Nations elect their leadership through individual election processes, which differ depending on the First Nation and are often unique to that community.17

13 Government of Canada; Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, "Leadership Selection in First Nations," Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, October 19, 2016. 14 Ibid., 2016. 15 Ibid., 2016. 16 Ibid., 2016. 17 Ibid., 2016.

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CAMPAIGNS

CAMPAIGNS

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What is a campaign?

A political campaign is an organized effort to secure the nomination and election of people seeking public office.18 Campaigns help to inform voters of the issues that have the potential to affect their daily lives and how the candidate will attempt to fix the issues.

Why do you campaign?

To become an elected official running a campaign is essential because on Election Day it is all about name recognition and people are going to vote for you if they know what goals you want to accomplish in office.

When do you begin to campaign?

From the day of registration, you are able to start your campaign but it is always good to be planning and preparing for your campaign so you are organized when you are allowed to formally campaign. Thus, campaigns usually begin one year before the election but it is seen that being active in your community two years prior has a positive effect on your chances of being elected. It is in this time people can begin informing others of their intentions to run; they cannot however formally campaign until a couple of months before the election.

18 Garth Stevenson, "Political Campaign," The Canadian Encyclopedia, October 13, 2016.

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Planning and executing your campaign

This can be a daunting task as you may think you have to have it all accomplished at once however, this is not the case because there are parts of a campaign you should not rush through. It’s best to begin with what you want to accomplish in office because this will help you as a candidate decide where on the political spectrum you reside and help you start your platform.

Writing your platform:

A good platform is well rounded and covers issues that are relevant. Keeping your platform simple and to the point will attract more voters and make it easier for you to promote yourself as a candidate. Try not to get to specific with one issue alone as it may alienate other voters. That is not to say you cannot champion a cause in your community but you must also be open to other issues as well. Another good thing to note is that you cannot please everyone and you should not try to because it is not going to work and you will lose your original focus.

Message for Impact:19 All campaigns benefit from a message platform that provides everyone in your organization with a consistent positioning statement. Keep in mind that a message platform does not need to be rigid, nor does it need to be memorized, but it should provide the core concepts and talking points to serve as a guide for your spokespeople. A good message platform includes the following four points: • Explain the problem/need that currently exists or the situation that you are working to

change • Specify what your campaign is working to accomplish • Describe how you recommend addressing the need or problem, along with the specific

actions that decision makers need to take Explain the result that a campaign victory will have and how it solves the problem, you noted at the start.

19 "The Just Enough Guide for Campaigners," Planning to Win, 2014.

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Volunteers

When you are planning your campaign, you have to think about everyone you will need to help you execute it. Even planning a campaign requires volunteers or workers to help organize and prepare for the actual campaign.

Finding volunteers though can be a challenge so once you have a team treat them well make them feel like they are integral to your campaign because they are!20 Without volunteers, your campaign will fail because you need feet on the ground and advice from outside sources. Providing your volunteers with proper training will help keep them motivated and happy with their position in your network.

Avoid overworking your volunteers by asking them to come for certain times to volunteer instead of open ended, unscheduled times.21 Planning a canvassing and phone bank schedule is the best way to combat this.

So where can you find volunteers?

You can start by asking your family and friends, as they most likely want to support you as a candidate. Other methods to find volunteers include posting on social media, putting up flyers in local coffee shops and other stores asking people if they would consider supporting you and your campaign. As well as attending events in your community, this not only helps with name recognition but maybe with finding volunteers as well.22

20 The Campaign Workshop, Ready, Set, Go! Jump-Start Your Political Campaign (Washington, DC: Campaign Workshop, 2015), PDF. 21 Ibid., 2015. 22Rebecca Johnson, "Getting Your Ward" (address, Do You Want to Run for Politics?, Contact North, Thunder Bay, June 2, 2017).

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Financing your Campaign Know your budget! Campaigns cost quite a bit of money and fundraising is necessary in order to run a smooth campaign.

Always practice your ask! Make sure you have your message down before you start doing fundraising calls because you want to sound professional and not be stumbling over your words, which can come across as sloppy.

A mentor is a necessity when it comes to finances, talk to someone who has gone through the process before so as not to miss any large ticket items.23 Include a minimum and a maximum, as your fundraising tallies will be unknown at this point. Prioritize your expenditures, and spend funds on the most important items first.24 Personal Costs of a Candidate:25 For new candidates, there is the cost of the coffees and lunches which you need to build your supporter base. You may want professional photographs taken early on, even before you are the candidate. Wardrobe may be an issue for fund-raising events as well as debates, and could likely cost more than your male counterparts will. For federal campaigns, the candidate is able to donate a further 6k, which is great, but an added expense. Finally, if you decide to take time off work during the campaign, that needs to be considered as well.

Financing a provincial or federal campaign: A Tip from Anne Zuliani The first member you absolutely “must have” is a financial agent, if you are running provincially or federally. You will also need a fund-raising team, individual(s) who are well connected in the community and can reach out on your behalf. There are numerous types of events you can hold - a Meet the Candidate evening, pints and politics, in-home coffee parties hosted by supporters, or the ever-popular tea socials held at seniors’ residences. There are also mail-outs, email blasts and phone calls. These can all be volunteer-intensive. Of note - the people you believe might be your top donors should hear from you directly. *If you have financial questions you are not sure about the answer ask an expert, always consult your lawyer, your accountant or the Canada Revenue Agency.

23 Anne Zuliani. “Financing Your Campaign.” (lecture, Do You Want to Run for Politics?, Contact North, Thunder Bay, June 2, 2017). 24 Ibid., 2017. 25 Ibid., 2017.

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Connecting with your Community

This is an important part of any campaign because if you cannot connect with the community you want to represent then it is likely that you will be not be able to do your job as a councillor, mayor, member of provincial parliament or member of parliament, well. The more you are involved in the community it shows that you care about constituents and the issues that affect them.

So how do you become involved?

Events!

Attend every event you possibly can! From teas to street fairs, people like to see their candidates out and about. This helps them recognize you and your name come Election Day.

Canvassing!

It is a great way to introduce yourself to potential voters. This can be as simple as knocking on doors, making phone calls, and attending open houses around holidays.26 Things to consider when canvassing include how large of an area you are covering so that you understand the amount of time and people power needed to service it. Use a map of your constituency to keep track of which houses you have gone to in order to not overwork certain areas.27

Always keep notes and tabs about where you have been and whom you have talked to, as this will help further direct your campaign for future outings.

1. Keep everything you do simple! Do not make your campaign so complex that when you go to canvas or call you cannot state your platform in 30 seconds because you lose people’s attention if you start to get too in-depth.

2. Being well organized and having great time management are key to running a successful campaign. Never overwhelm yourself.

26 Rebecca Johnson, "Getting Your Ward" (address, Do You Want to Run for Politics?, Contact North, Thunder Bay, June 2, 2017). 27 Shelby Ch’ng. “Social Media in Campaigns.” (lecture, Glow and Grow Women’s Leadership Series. PARO Centre. Thunder Bay, April 11, 2018).

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Social Media and your Campaign

Social media is no longer optional when you are or wish to be a public figure

as it tends to be the main method of dispersing information to the masses.

A candidate can use multiple social media platforms for their campaign the

most popular include, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It is important to

note that you keep your personal accounts and your candidate accounts

separate; this is for your privacy.

Branding:

You are your own brand and need to represent yourself well!

Understand what exactly you want to portray on your social media

before you create one, as you have to keep the messaging of your

campaign consistent.28

The key with social media is to keep everything consistent not just,

your campaign messaging but also the amount of posts you make a

week and when you make those posts.29 Consistency ensures you do

not overload your social media with useless posts. If you post too

much and little of it has to do with your campaign or community,

people will lose interest and stop following your social media.

From Shelby Ch’ng, Councillor for Northwood

1. Make a weekly content calendar and set aside some time every week to develop as much of the

content as you can so it is ready to go.

2. A wide variety of content (i.e. Video, notes, photo albums) will ensure your posts are noticed in

an endless stream of content on voters’ timelines.

3. Set aside some time each day to respond to the people who engaged with you, whether it is

answering a question, they have, thanking them for their comment or just liking what they have

to say.

4. Do not engage with negative people online and if you must make sure, you keep it nice and

professional.

28 Sue Prodaniuk. “Debate 101 and Q&A”(mentoring. Let’s Get Started! Lakehead University, Thunder Bay. April 25, 2018). 29 Shelby Ch’ng. “Social Media in Campaigns.” (lecture, Glow and Grow Women’s Leadership Series. PARO Centre. Thunder Bay, April 11, 2018).

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Public Speaking and Debate

Public speaking and debate are usually the most daunting parts of becoming a public figure and tend to cause most of the stress new candidates feel. The main aspect to remember when it comes to public speaking and debating is that being prepared is everything. Being prepared will help to reduce stress and increase a candidate’s ability to become comfortable with speaking in front of crowds.

Number one rule do not try to wing it! Winging it results in misconstrued statements or inadequate knowledge of the topic at hand, which only hurts a candidate. As a candidate, you want to appear calm and collected. This gives your audience a good look at your character and tells them you will be able to represent them well on matters of all forms because you do your research. Review questions and topics before your speech or debate if they are available.30

Practice makes perfect! Practice your speeches and answers to questions in front of the mirror, family, friends and/or colleagues.31 By doing this, you are not only perfecting your responses but also your body language. Make sure to keep eye contact with the audience and empathize with them, ensure your body language matches theirs when appropriate.32 Stand and sit upright any other position looks sloppy and unrefined and never cross your arms as this closes you off from your audience.33

From Marketing Specialist Sue Prodaniuk

1. Make some point form references notes! This is allowed; do not think you have to have everything memorized all the time.

2. Dress for success! Wear warmer colours they make you appear welcoming. Always consider your audience when picking out an outfit. Formal dress attire is necessary at debates and speeches but you can decide what to wear

30 Sue Prodaniuk. “Debate 101 and Q&A”(mentoring. Let’s Get Started! Lakehead University, Thunder Bay. April 25, 2018). 31 Ibid.,2018. 32 Ibid.,2018. 33 Ibid.,2018.

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to certain events if you think you can be more casual you can be, but still keep it within the professional range.

APPENDICES

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Appendix 1: Making the Decision to Run

By Wendy Landry

1. What is motivating you to run? Think about this clearly and make your decision based on reasons that the voters can relate to, but keep it positive, realistic and what you can speak to. Having no personal agenda is best.

2. Create a Support System: This isn’t going to be easy, make sure you have positive and supportive family. They will be exposed to everything you do, and they didn’t run for office you did. Prepare them and talk to them and be sure that they are supportive. Find a mentor who can help you along the way, even after you are elected.

3. Get your name out there: Attend as many events as you can to get to know people and have people get to know you. Reach outside of your comfort zone and speak to as many people as you can about your decision to run. Start building your team, as folks if they would be willing to help you out, and to “talk you up” to others. This is where your story of motivation is critical, you have to be able to connect with people and convince them you are who they should vote for, especially if they are going to put their word out for you.

4. Do your research: Attend council meetings if you are running for Municipal council, reach out to present or past politicians for advice. Research topics of the region or the Municipality; be able to speak to what the issues are and what your approach is. Learn about how the government process works where you are considering running. Find out your legal requirements for campaigning, finances time frames etc.

5. Build a budget: Ask advice on costs for a campaign, build your own budget as well of what you can afford. Find a person to handle the financial aspects of your campaign. Learn how to ask for help!

6. Glass Windows/ Put your best foot forward: You have now opened yourself up to the public, and people will know who you are. You will be open for public judgment, comments and opinions of you. Put your best foot forward. Know your constituents, what they can expect from you and who they want representing them. Its ok to have an opinion, be mindful of how opinionated you become, without being controversial. Be prepared for the Media, grow thick skin, and be ready for the sport without affecting your team!

7. Start Early: Find out the date you can register and begin campaigning, be ready to knock on doors (many doors) the voters like face to face. Get Photos done, people need to get to know your face.

8. Be Strong! This is where you will need your support system, and REMAIN POSITIVE!

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Appendix 2: Planning Your Campaign

By Wendy Wright

How do you begin to plan your campaign? Determine how much time, energy and money you possess to put towards

a successful campaign. Do you have people who are there to be part of your team? Not just with campaign activities but everyday life also. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Do your research to find all relevant rules and regulations you will need to follow before, during and after your campaign. There are lots of dates to keep track of also. I kept a separate folder and calendar for campaign and election dates, what had to be done beforehand and approximately how long those items would take.

Visit your local municipal office and speak with the clerk. They will be an indispensable resource for the ins and outs of running your campaign.

When planning your campaign, what were the first issues to arise? Opening a campaign bank account. Ask at your bank to speak with

someone regarding the specific account you need to have. How to address and send mail outs. I found out that you can do direct mail

outs for significantly reduced postage when you utilize non-addressed ad mail. Ask at your post office.

Should I go door to door in a rural municipality? This was a resounding yes, I found. I had direct interaction with constituents and discovered many concerns I may not have known otherwise. Be smart, don’t go alone and bring dog treats!

What kind of support did you have in planning in your campaign? • My local municipal clerk was very helpful with all the questions I had. Family and friends were supportive with the campaign and generally

lending a hand when I needed it in other aspects of life. Neighbours in the municipality, which I had engaged with, on a previous

endeavor with council. A fellow woman who was also running for council for the first time.

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Appendix 3: Getting your Ward

By Rebecca Johnson

Where do you start once you’ve decided to run for a specific ward? • Learn the issues Attend ward meetings Start knocking on doors – election is 16 months away Start your “war chest” – need money Attend events in your ward • Learn to accept criticism Start reading City Council meeting agendas Attend City council meetings Impact on your family

How are you involved in the community – at Council Business cards • Promotional material How do you get the support for

your ward? Make yourself known to your constituents Fill in Surveys Participate in Debates Connect with voters Advertising Talk to media

What kind of paperwork is involved? $100 deposit and 25 signatures (eligible voters) Registration period – May 1 to July 27 at 2 pm

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Appendix 4: Financing your Campaign

By Anne Zuliani

1. Story - who you are and why you want to run you will use this throughout your campaign to gain supporters and donors.

2. Reach Out to the Party Talk to political party elders, former city politicians in order to gain their advice and support. Find a mentor to help you through the process.

3. Extend Your Reach Meet with as many people as you can over coffee, lunches etc. You are looking for support for your candidacy as well as donations. As a first time candidate it will be up to you to start the fund-raising ball rolling, and your story is critical here. People need to see that you are up for this.

4. Building Your Team The first member you absolutely “must have” is a financial agent, if you are running provincially or federally. You will also need a fund-raising team, individual(s) who are well connected in the community and can reach out on your behalf. There are numerous types of events you can hold - a Meet the Candidate evening, pints and politics, in-home coffee parties hosted by supporters, or the ever-popular tea socials held at seniors’ residences. There are also mail-outs, email blasts and phone calls. These can all be volunteer-intensive. Of note - the people you believe might be your top donors should hear from you directly.

5. Create a Budget - in conjunction with your financial agent. Talk to someone who has gone through the process before so as not to miss any large ticket items. Include a minimum and a maximum as your fund-raising tallies will be unknown at this point. Prioritize your expenditures, and spend funds on the most important items first.

6. Campaign Finances- Ensure you are aware of fund-raising limits for your campaign. And be aware of the relevant income tax deduction limits as these can be used to encourage donations. Reinforce the amount that gives the best tax deduction, make sure your team is aware.

7. Personal Cost to You the Candidate For new candidates, there is the cost of the coffees and lunches which you need to build your supporter base. You may want professional photographs taken early on, even before you are the candidate. Wardrobe may be an issue for fund-raising events as well as debates, and could cost more than your male counterparts. For federal campaigns, the candidate is able to donate a further 6k, which is great, but an added expense. Finally, if you decide to take time off work during the campaign, that needs to be considered as well.

8. Grow Thick Skin! Politics is a blood sport, be prepared to stand up for yourself and do it with a smile on your face.

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Appendix 5: Being an Elected Politician

By Sue Prodaniuk

PERKS From Budget Allocation: Computer, Fax, copier, telephone, parking pass, health care benefits, pension, furniture, laptop, ink, paper, cell phone, blackberry, business cards, notes, letterhead

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

From Budget Allocation: Conferences, meetings, AMO, NOMA, Municipal League – GO! New language to learn - acronyms

READING Where to start? First month is light. Agendas for regular meetings, committee meetings, have to keep updated with what is happening – newspapers, NOB, Chronicle, TB Source, Municipal world, roads, library….endless…

STAFF RELATIONS Work with City Clerk’s office for administration but also with other staff as required. Relationships are crucial. You are now a Councillor. Protocol in dealing with the staff. Have to work with them.

MEDIA You never know when you are “on camera”. Whatever you say can be used against you. Develop relationship with reporters.

DEMANDS OF THE JOB Time – Council meetings, Committee meetings, Acting mayor for one month of the year, various events, constituents, and speeches. 20 to 40 hours/week or more. Privacy Loss Reading, listening, acting, family, friends, health, financial cost, confidentiality, stress, ethics.

INVITATIONS They are endless. You are now VIP. People and organizations want you to attend everything, everything. That Is your choice.

ACTING MAYOR POSITION

One month of a year, you are the Acting Mayor. Assist the Mayor attending activities, are in a legal position to sign documents.

PERSONAL COST TO YOU

Donations, tickets, clothing

IMPACT ON FAMILY No longer a private person. Name on city website, pictures in print media, etc You are a public person.

MAJOR ISSUES Official Plan, Zoning By-laws, Water (you as an individual are liable for water in the municipality), garbage, drainage, taxes, budget, health & safety, contracts, roads, lighting, parks, recreation, fire, EMS, libraries, culture, transit, planning, tourism, social services, accessibility, - AODO, active transportation, environment, economic development, etc.

COMMITTEES Decide which ones you want to sit on – prioritize. Sometimes have to fight for the committee you want. All done – in camera. Be careful, you don’t overdo.

CONSTITUENTS Email, phone, visits, on the street, travel. You become a one stop expert. You Always can say, I don’t know but I’ll get an answer. Enquiries - process

WARD MEETINGS Generally, 4 annually. Can hold whenever you wish. Good if they do not conflict with other Ward meetings. They will be advertised. Have administration assistant at the meeting. Can invite senior admin to attend to speak to an issue.

COUNCIL MEETINGS Take effect the firs Monday in December. In camera starts at 5pm and public sessions at 6:30 pm. Confidentiality re issues in-camera.

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COMMUNICATION E-mail, Phone, Media, Direct, Social Media, Letters to Editors, etc

CONFLICT OF INTEREST Law – need to know it. Must always consider. Safer to identify than get caught

PROCESS Endless procedures. Have to do things this way or that way. No business sense to make a decision, goes and goes

REMUNERATION It varies from cities and towns. As an example in Thunder Bay: Mayor - $80,000 plus $4,800 travel with $25,000 budget City Councillor - $27,000 plus $2,750 travel with a $6,500 budget 1/3 of base is tax free for Mayor and Councillors The $6,500 is allocated to telecommunications, travel, conventions, general expenses, ward/town hall expense, memberships, subscriptions School Boards Catholic Board Trustee - $8,095 + conference funding Public Board Trustee - $6,279 + $2,050 + $1,200 Chair = $5,500 additional to Trustee Vice = $2,750 additional to Trustee

PERSONAL AGENDA Ego – must realize that to move into this arena you have an ego. You set off to change the world and then reality hits. Need to know that your voice is being heard. Work with councillors to get vote. Bit overwhelming. Interests of the community at large. Never make everyone happy. Learn to have a tough skin.

THE ELECTION ITSELF Process to get elected – filling out papers,25 signatures, deposit cheque for applying, surveys, debates, connecting with voters, advertising, talking to media. Learn needs and concerns od the constituency. Learn demands of the office. Learn what it takes to win. Access your strengths and weaknesses. What do you need to know before you start?

WINNING I won – Oh My!! I made it. Now the work really begins. Lots of nice things said, letters of congratulations and requests. Starting to solve the world’s problems. What have I let myself in for? You are no longer an individual but have a title – Councillor, Mayor, Trustee

ORIENTATION Held through City Clerk’s office during the month of November immediately following the election. Get a call from Clerk’s office telling you these are the dates, location, time – show up. Municipal government is very complex. There is a ton of information to assimilate and you wonder how you will get a handle on it. At this point you might be asking yourself what you have gotten into and even have second thoughts.

EVERYTHING ELSE Don’t enter this arena for the glory of accolades you think you will receive – remember ½ voters like you and the other ½ don’t. tough decision to make. Enter into politics to do the right thing for the community not what you want. Need to understand the larger picture. Can’t take the easy road. Have to stand for your own convictions. Need: Conviction, thick skin, diplomacy, listen, good sense of humour, be able to laugh

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References: Ch’ng, Shelby. "Social Media in Campaigns." Lecture. Glow and Grow Women’s Leadership Series. PARO Centre, Thunder Bay, April 11, 2018. Government of Canada; Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. "Leadership Selection in First Nations." Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. October 19, 2016. https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1323195944486/1323196005595#chp1. Johnson, Rebecca. "Getting Your Ward." Lecture, Do You Want to Run for Politics?, Contact North, Thunder Bay, June 2, 2017. Leslie, Keith. "Could new ridings improve service to First Nations communities ?" CBCnews. November 25, 2016. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/new-north-ridings-1.3868375. Ontario, Elections. "Electoral Districts." Home. 2018. https://www.elections.on.ca/en/voting-in-ontario/electoral-districts.html. "Ontario Municipal Elections." AMO - Ontario Municipal Elections. 2017. https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Municipal-101/Municipal-Elections.aspx. Prodaniuk, Sue. “Debate 101 and Q&A.” Mentoring. Let’s Get Started! Lakehead University, Thunder Bay. April 25, 2018. "Redistribution of the Federal Electoral Districts." Elections Canada. June 08, 2016. http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?dir=cir%2Fred%2Fbck&document=index&lang=e§ion=res. Sancton, Andrew. Canadian Local Government: An Urban Perspective. Second ed. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press, 2015. Stevenson, Garth. "Political Campaign." The Canadian Encyclopedia. October 13, 2016. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/political-campaign/. The Campaign Workshop. Ready, Set, Go! Jump-Start Your Political Campaign. Washington, DC: Campaign Workshop, 2015. PDF. "The Just Enough Guide for Campaigners." Planning to Win. 2014. http://planningtowin.org/gettingstarted. "Voting in Ontario." Elections Ontario . 2017. http://www.elections.on.ca/content/dam/NGW/sitecontent/2017/resources/Brochure%20Voting%20In%20Ontario%20Voter%20En%20Ontario.pdf. Zuliani, Anne. “Financing Your Campaign". Lecture. Do You Want to Run for Politics? Contact North.

Thunder Bay. June 2, 2017.