Electoral Process
What are constituents?
People who live in a specific area and are represented by someone.
Who is the leader of an urban local government and how are they chosen?
Mayor; elected by voters
What is the main source of revenue for the local government?
Property taxes
How can you contact a local representative?
Write a letter or email, make a phone call
What is another name for local government?
Municipal government
What is the term length for local government representatives?
3 years
Who is the leader of a rural local government and how are they chosen?
Reeve; elected by council
What happens during a council meeting?
They discuss community issues and make decisions about programs, services, and bylaws.
What is a petition?
A written request that contains the signatures of people who support it.
What are civil servants?
They are people who are hired to run or work in the government departments. They perform jobs like answering phones, keeping records, collecting garbage, teaching swimming lessons, driving buses, repairing streets, and much more.
What is a ballot?
A piece of paper used for voting that lists the names of the candidates.
Who is the leader of a Métis local government and how are they chosen?
Chairperson; selected by council members
Give one example of how elected representatives are accountable to citizens.
Respond to constituents, participate in local events, represent constituents and express their concerns in government meetings, make reports of their expenses available to the public
What is an advisory committee?
A group of concerned citizens and members of the government that give advice to the council about local issues.
Who serves on a school board and what is the name of the person they hire to make sure decisions are carried out?
Trustees; superintendent
List two of the three requirements to be a candidate for local government.
Canadian citizen, 18 years or older, live in the municipal area for at least six months
Who is the leader of a First Nations local government and how are they chosen?
Chief; elected by voters in the First Nation community
Give three examples of services the local government provides.
City road maintenance (including snow removal), libraries, animal control, parks and recreation, waste and recycling disposal, fire protection, public transportation, seniors’ facilities
What is needed for a democracy to work?
People need to participate!
Why do we need local government?
They know the community best!
List the three steps in the process to become a councillor.
1. Be nominated as a candidate
2. Campaign to tell the community your ideas
3. Constituents vote in an election
List three examples of what a school board does.
Listen to complaints, ensure the provincial curriculum is taught, decide how the budget is spent, make rules and policies for schools, make decisions about special education and programming, make decisions about school buildings and student transportation.
What are the three steps to pass a bylaw?
Step 1: A bylaw motion is introduced
Step 2: Council considers the motion three times
Step 3: Councillors vote on the motion and if it passes it becomes a bylaw
What are two ways that you could participate in local government after you turn 18?
Vote and run for council
Give one example of a right and one example of a responsibility that citizens have in their communities.
The right to have local services provided, be represented in government meetings, and vote
The responsibility to pay taxes, know and follow laws, actively participate in local government, and vote