Why Should I Vote in Council Elections?
Every four years the people of Prince George get to choose who will serve on City Council as Mayor and Councillors. This elected leadership of nine individuals work together to set policy to plan and address the current and future needs of our community. They are responsible for the delivery of local services to their community and for determining budgets, providing and maintaining infrastructure and services like garbage collection, water, and fire and police protection, and more. Through a majority vote and passed bylaws, Council members make collective decisions in the best interests of their communities.
You exercise your democratic rights by voting for candidates who will lead our city over the next four years. Every vote cast in a general local election directly impacts the growth and development of the Prince George community.
What are Council's Responsibilities?
Elected officials set policy directions and priorities and administrators implement them. City Councils are responsible for the municipality's welfare and interests and for making informed decisions that advocate for the community. Their powers and responsibilities are legislated through B.C.'s Community Charter and includes a variety of functions that affect municipal services such as regulating land use and building and maintaining local infrastructure (e.g. roads, sidewalks, and watermains).
Councils also work on behalf of their communities with provincial and federal partners to access funding and resources that support improvements in complex matters such as housing and homelessness, climate change, and health.
What does the Mayor do?
The Mayor, recognized as the civic leader of the community, is the principal member and spokesperson for Council and reflects Council's views. In addition to all of the responsibilities of a Councillor, the mayor has a number of additional responsibilities regulated under the Community Charter including:
- Providing strong, sound, reasoned leadership to Council by recommending bylaws and other measures that will benefit the municipality through good government.
- Communicate information to Council and oversee Council meetings when in attendance.
- Give general direction - on behalf of Council - to municipal officers on implementing municipal policies, programs, and other directions.
- Establish committees.
What does a Councillor do?
Councillors serve their community's interests by making considered and well-informed decisions and advocating on behalf of its residents. As regulated under the Community Charter, Councillors:
- Consider the well-being and interests of the community and municipality.
- Contribute to developing and evaluating City policies and programs aimed at local services.
- Take part in Council meetings, committee meetings, and other meetings to which they're appointed.
- Carry out duties assigned by Council.
- Carry out duties assigned by the Community Charter and any other government Act.
About Municipal Elections
General local elections are a shared responsibility between local governments and Elections BC. Each local government is responsible for running its own general local election and must appoint a local Chief Election Officer to run the elections process. General local elections must be run in accordance with the Local Government Act, the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, the Community Charter, the School Act, and election related bylaws.
Contacts
Maureen Connelly, Chief Election Officer
Phone: 250-561-7793
Fax: 250-561-0183
Email:
maureen.connelly@princegeorge.ca
Joan Switzer, Deputy Chief Election Officer
Phone: 250-561-7686
Fax: 250-561-0183
Email:
joan.switzer@princegeorge.ca
Additional Resources