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The line separating municipal operations from political campaigns has been better defined in a new policy proposed by city administration.
The updated policy will be discussed at next week’s city council meeting and will update the previous policy approved by city council in 2016 and used in the 2018 election.
“As much has changed since the 2018 Election, it was felt that it was necessary to review the existing policy and contrast it in comparison with those of other municipalities in Ontario,” according to a report by Danielle Derochie from the city clerk office.
In researching other policies and comparator municipalities, the city’s Election Team found that most other jurisdictions had established “more fulsome policies” around municipal resources and how they could be used for campaigning.
In the city’s 2016 policy, it’s stated that candidates “may not use any CGS (City of Greater Sudbury) facilities or resources for campaign-related activities, including distribution or display of campaign materials nor may they campaign at events or functions hosted by the city.”
The updated policy would allow for campaign activities in those municipal facilities that may be rented and are not being used as voting locations. Tom Davies Square would remain off limits.
It also outlines the availability of other municipal resources to candidates during the campaign period, which will prove particularly important during this year’s election season since the majority of city council members have already confirmed that they are seeking re-election.
As more candidates come out of the woodwork as the election date approaches and the official nomination period opens on May 1, there’s likely to be an eagle eye on these new rules in the event that city council chooses to adopt them.
Missteps carry the potential for disqualifying candidates from seeking election, as may have already taken place with Bob Johnston, who announced his intention to pursue the mayor’s position. He has already incurred an election expense for a decal on the side of his vehicle advertising himself as a candidate, which the Municipal Elections Act prohibits until such time as a candidate has filed their nomination form. The nomination period doesn’t open until May 1.
Some of the rules included in the proposed policy update include but are not limited to:
- That campaign material be set up and removed in approved municipal facilities within the allotted rental period, which means no permanent advertising may be displayed.
- Canvassing and the distribution of campaign materials in some city facilities is permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act, which includes long-term care homes and other city-owned facilities.
- City technology may not be used for any campaign activity, including the city’s voicemail or computer network. In the event someone reaches out to a member of city council on a city-owned platform with a campaign matter, the elected official may provide their campaign-related contact information.
- The city’s logo, crest and slogans may not be printed, posted or distributed on any campaign materials or included on any election-related website except to link to the city’s website to obtain information about the municipal election.
- Candidates may not post photographs of themselves with employees wearing a uniform, badge, crest or other item that identifies them as an employee of the city.
- Council members’ budgets shall not be used to sponsor any advertisements, flyers, newsletters or householders between the nomination period beginning (May 1) and election day.
- While elected officials and candidates may attend city events, they may not post election signs and distribute campaign materials on site.
- Beginning with the nomination period (May 1), the city shall no longer reference the names of members of council on signage for city events, including banners and posters, and media releases. They’ll be referred to as “Councillor for Ward XX” or “Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury.”
- Employees engaged in political activities must take care to separate those personal activities from their official positions. This includes no canvassing during working hours or while wearing or using anything that can identify them as a city employee.
In an update to city council in December, city administration outlined several other measures they are taking to refine how the 2022 election will be conducted. The main difference highlighted at the time related to measures being undertaken to prevent the same technical mishaps that occurred on election night 2018 from happening again.
This year’s election will mark a return to a hybrid voting model, with paper ballots and internet voting options being made available.
The next city council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on March 8, during which the city’s elected officials are also expected to discuss a Junction East energy sustainability feasibility presentation and field a presentation about the latest happenings of Conservation Sudbury. A livestream of the meeting will be accessible by clicking here, and the agenda can be found by clicking here.
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.
