During the writ period (today until October 28, 2024), this website will be limited to information about emergencies and public safety concerns.
For details on immigration, visit Immigrating and Moving to Saskatchewan.
Get answers with our Frequently Asked Questions.
Pendant la période électorale (aujourd’hui jusqu’au 28 octobre 2024), ce site Web devra limiter ses publications uniquement à des renseignements sur les urgences et à des préoccupations en matière de sécurité publique.
Pour des renseignements sur l’immigration, visitez Immigrer et déménager en Saskatchewan.
Trouver des réponses en consultant la Foire aux questions (en anglais).
A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:
Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.
Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).
Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.
Running for Municipal Council
Thank you for thinking of running for your local municipal council. Saskatchewan municipalities need citizens like you to assume leadership roles to represent the people in your community or region, and to provide direction on the policies and programs that will lead to better quality services for communities.
Serving in elected positions is not easy, but being a member of council offers a lot of personal satisfaction. The information below will help you decide if you want to run as a candidate for municipal council. You may also wish to download the Consider Running for Municipal Council guide.
2. Democratic Governance, a Municipalities Purpose and Council's Role
A municipality is the level of government that is closest to the people it serves and understands their needs the best.
The elected council is the governing body of the municipality. Elected officials make decisions by passing resolutions or enacting bylaws. Bylaws are the laws of the municipality.
Council establishes policies about what essential core services to provide, how those services will be delivered and at what levels.
To help you understand the powers and responsibilities of elected council and municipal staff in Saskatchewan, please watch the videos below which references these documents:
If elected as a member of council, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of your municipality. To maintain the public’s trust and confidence in their local government, both candidates and elected officials must complete a public disclosure statement. (Read the Municipal Public Disclosure Guide and review sample public disclosure statement forms.)
Public disclosure statements assure the public that, when you are elected to office, council’s decisions are made in the best interests of the municipality. Elected officials are also required to:
Rules regarding the nomination process and proper campaign procedures can be found within The Local Government Elections Act, 2015 and its Regulations. Also check with your municipality to review any bylaws regarding election campaigns.
The returning officer for your municipality’s election will publish and post a Notice of Call for Nomination.
You can file your nomination anytime during regular office hours from the time the call for nomination is posted until the deadline listed in the notice.
Contact your municipality to determine what forms you will need to complete as part of your nomination form package. At a minimum, the package will include a nomination form and public disclosure statement.
If you are a government employee, you will need to refer to and follow requirements listed in the following Acts:
Avoid submitting your nomination form package right before the deadline in case there is missing information. Incomplete nomination forms will not be accepted. If you wait until the last minute, you may not have time to correct any errors.
Watch the final video in the “Consider Running for Municipal Council" video series for information about how to run for council, campaigning and key documents required after election.
When campaigning, remember that:
Every printed advertisement referencing an election must contain the name and address of the person who has authorized its printing, display and distribution.
No candidate, agent or other person shall canvass or solicit votes in a polling place or within 100 metres of the building where the poll is held and when the polls are open.
As mentioned above, if you are elected to municipal council, you must take an Oath or Affirmation of Office in the prescribed form prior to carrying out any power, duty or function as a member of that council. Within 30 days of being elected, you will need to submit another public disclosure statement to meet the legislative requirements.
You are encouraged to learn more about your new role and responsibilities by reading the following information:
Conflict of Interest
Read the requirements about conflict of interest disclosures by municipal officials and elected leaders in Saskatchewan.