Below, you will find answers to frequently asked questions regarding eligibility, nomination requirements, and the responsibilities of elected officials. All candidates are encouraged to review the Local Authorities Election Act and the Municipal Government Act to fully understand their obligations.
What are the duties of a Councillor?
Councillor Duties as outlined under section 153 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA):
To consider the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole and to bring to Council’s attention anything that would promote the welfare or interests of the municipality;
To promote an integrated and strategic approach to intermunicipal land use planning and service delivery with neighbouring municipalities;
To participate generally in developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality;
To participate in Council meetings, Council Committee meetings, and meetings of other bodies to which they are appointed by the Council to obtain information about the operation or administration of the municipality from the Chief Administrative Officer or a person designated by the Chief Administrative Officer;
to keep in confidence matters discussed in private at a Council or Council Committee meeting until discussed at a meeting held in public;
to adhere to the Code of Conduct established by the Council under section 146.1(1);
to perform any other duty or function imposed on Councillors by this or any other enactment or by the Council.
What are the duties of Mayor?
In addition to performing the duties of a councillor, the Mayor has the following duties:
preside when in attendance at a council meeting unless a bylaw provides that another councillor or other person is to preside
perform any other duty imposed on a chief elected official by this or any other enactment or bylaw
What is the time commitment for Councillors?
You will be required to attend several meetings and events that include:
Regular and Special Meetings of Council. Regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
Meetings of other boards, committees and agencies to which you are appointed as a Council representative.
Various other conferences, conventions, seminars and workshops for training and discussion.
Social and other events promoting your municipality.
A Councillor must also spend time reading the agenda and preparing for meetings, as well as, speaking with members of the public, the Chief Administrative Officer and other parties related to the municipality. There may also be events in the community and area where Councillors receive invitations to attend. During their term(s), Councillors sit on a range of Boards & Committees important to Grimshaw and the surrounding region.
Who is eligible to run for Council?
According to section 21 (1) of the Local Authorities Elections Act:
A person is eligible to be nominated as a candidate in any election if on nomination day they are:
Eligible to vote in that election;
At least 18 years of age
A Canadian citizen
A resident of Alberta & local jurisdiction on Election Day
A resident of the local jurisdiction and the ward, if any, for six consecutive months immediately preceding nomination day, and;
Not otherwise ineligible or disqualified (ee Local Authorities Election Act s. 22)
Who is not eligible to run for Council?
A person is not eligible to be nominated as a candidate in the election if on nomination day:
The person is the auditor of the local jurisdiction for which the election is to be held;
The person is an employee of the local jurisdiction for which the election is to be held unless the person takes a leave of absence;
The person is indebted to the municipality of which the person is an elector for taxes in default exceeding $50, excluding from that amount ( i ) any indebtedness for current taxes, and (ii) any indebtedness for arrears of taxes for which the person has entered into a consolidation agreement with the municipality, unless the person is in default in the payment of any money due under the agreement;
The person is indebted to the local jurisdiction for which the election is to be held for any debt exceeding $500 and in default for more than 90 days;
The person has, within the previous 10 years, been convicted of an offence under the LAEA , the Election Act , the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act or the Canada Elections Act (Canada).
What is the nomination period?
The nomination period for the 2025 general election begins on January 1, 2025, and runs until 12:00 p.m. on September 22, 2025 (Nomination Day). Nominations must be submitted at the Town of Grimshaw Administration Office in person by the candidate or by another person on behalf of the candidate.
What forms are required for my nomination?
Every Candidate must complete and provide the following nomination papers to the Returning Officer by noon on September 22, 2025:
• Notice of Intent to Run
• Form 4 - Nomination Paper and Candidate’s Acceptance
• Form 5 - Candidate Financial Information
• Minimum of 5 signatures from eligible electors in the Town of Grimshaw
What is the Notice of Intent to Run form?
Anyone who intends to run as a candidate in the 2025 Municipal Election must file a Notice of Intent. Prospective candidates can submit their Notice of Intent from now until September 22, 2025. The Notice of Intent must be filed, it can be filed prior to filing nomination papers or filed at the time the nomination papers are filed. Candidates who plan to run in the 2025 Election can only accept campaign contributions and incur campaign expenses once their Notice of Intent is accepted by the Returning Officer and they are added to the Register of Candidates.
Is submitting a Notice of Intent to Run the same as submitting Nomination Forms?
No. Submitting a Notice of Intent to Run is one step in the process and does not mean you have been nominated and will appear on the ballot. Once a prospective candidate’s Notice of Intent to Run submission is complete and they are added to the Register of Candidates, they can accept campaign contributions and incur campaign expenses. To become a nominated candidate and appear on the ballot, a candidate must complete the nomination process during the Nomination Period from January 1 to September 22, 2025.
What is the Register of Candidates?
The Register of Candidates is a record of all candidates who have given notice to the Town of Grimshaw that they intend to seek nomination for office in the next general election, as required by the Local Authorities Election Act. The Register of Candidates is located under the 2025 Election tab on our website.
How do I file my nomination papers?
Nomination papers must be filed in person at the Town of Grimshaw Administration Office during regular business hours.
Who can witness my signature on the nomination form?
The Returning Officer at the Town of Grimshaw Administration Office or a Commissioner for Oaths can witness your signature on the nomination form.
Can I withdraw my nomination?
A person nominated as a candidate may withdraw as a candidate at any time during the nomination period and up to 24 hours after the close of the nomination period. However, as per LAEA Section 32(3) the Returning Officer shall refuse to accept further withdrawals if, after one or more candidates have withdrawn, the number of remaining candidates does not exceed the number of vacancies to be filled.
