Resolution No. 14-01A

WHEREAS, The Rural Municipality Act, 1989 provides for individuals that do not own land in the municipality to run for council of the municipality;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that The Rural Municipality Act, 1989 be amended to stipulate that individuals running for positions on council must own property in the municipality.

Response from Hon. Ron Osika:

Residency, not property ownership, is the primary criteria for qualification as a candidate in all local government elections. Amending the legislation to exclude persons who do not own property but reside in a municipality from actively participating in their local democracy is contrary to the fundamental democratic principles of fairness and equality.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the tradition of democratic rights. The only restrictions that may be placed on a person's right to present themselves as a candidate in a local government election are those considered to be reasonable and justified, such as the age restriction for minors or the restriction placed on the auditor of a municipality.