Council resigned to date change

Yorkton Council received and filed a report titled “The Local Government Elections Act, 2015 Amendment – Proposed Election Date Extension” at its regular meeting Monday.

Municipal elections are currently scheduled for Oct. 28, 2020, five days before the provincial election set for Nov. 2, 2020, explained Jessica Matsalla, City Clerk with the City.

As a result, the Ministry of Government Relations consulted various sectors including the Saskatchewan Association of City Clerks (SACC), Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), School Board Associations, and municipalities’ administration.

The consultations were “to gauge feedback on potential alternate dates to avoid a conflict,” said Matsalla.

“An initial provincial proposal to move the municipal election to the third week in November 2020 was not supported by the afore-mentioned sectors for various reasons including elections conducted in close proximity have negative implications, including voter/election worker confusion and fatigue, difficulty in recruitment of workers, interference with harvest, statutory holidays, and the budget review processes for many municipalities.”

So another option was put forward by the province.

“On Aug. 7…another proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Government Relations to amend the Local Government Elections Act, 2015, by extending the term of elected officials to five years and to hold the next Municipal election on Oct. 27, 2021, and every four years thereafter,” explained Matsalla.

“Based on existing Federal and Provincial election legislation, this proposed change would attempt to avoid future election interference. The Ministry requested urgent feedback, and for comments to be submitted by Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, as they wish to introduce the proposed legislation this fall.”

City Administration looked to Council for input on what to tell the province.

“City Council was canvassed on the election date conflict and proposed amendment. Consensus indicated that concerns are present with extending the municipal term one year, as the expectation of the electorate was a four-year term. However, it is recognized that the conflict at hand must be addressed, and that the City of Yorkton will work to support the final decision of the Province. The City Manager submitted response to the Province on Aug. 23…with these comments,” said Matsalla.

“From an Administrative perspective, extending the term will not have any negative implications operationally, as the election would be held in the same season as always. However, should an elected official resign from office prior to the next election year, a by-election would be required costing the City of Yorkton substantial monies to facilitate.”

Councillor Quinn Haider said he would not personally vote for an extension, noting he was elected to a four year term, but added municipalities will have to follow what the province mandates.

“The Ministry has indicated that it is desirous to have the proposed legislation introduced in fall 2018, and therefore it is anticipated that follow-up information will be available late in 2018,” concluded Matsalla.