Local Government Review

Councillor  - a person elected to local government

Council – a group of elected representatives who make decisions for a local area.

We need local government to provide services such as:

•       Senior’s facilities

•       Public transportation

•       Fire protection

•       Waste disposal

•       Parks and recreation

•       Animal control

•       Libraries

•       Streets and roads (fixing, clearing, cleaning)

Taxes - Local Government raises money through taxes collected from the people.  The tax money helps to pay for the services listed above.

Revenue – money made/collected, income

Revenue is collected from:  User fees/sale of goods, money from the other 2 levels of government, property taxes, etc.

Expenditures – what money is spent on, expenses

Bylaws – laws that are made/passed by a local government.  Every community has their own bylaws.  They are rules that specify people’s behaviour.  They are made to keep people safe and help the community run smoothly.  An example of a bylaw is (Cleaning up after your dog – or you may have to pay a fine)

Motion – is an idea or proposal discussed and voted on at a meeting.  If the majority of councillors vote in favour, it will be passed and become a bylaw.

*  We can take part in local government by running for office, voting, taking part in town hall meetings and making presentation to government.

A motion to change or make a bylaw has to be considered 3 times before it is voted on by members of the council.  This gives people who oppose the motion 3 chances to speak out and argue against it.  Supporters of the motion can answer this criticism.  Then, the motion is put to a vote.  If the majority of the councillors vote in favour (yes/agree), it will be passed and become a bylaw.

Forum – a meeting place where public discussions occur.

Municipal Area – is a region that has its own local government

URBAN – include cities, towns and villages – run by a Mayor

RURAL – includes municipal districts and counties – Reeve

FIRST NATIONS – Have a chief

METIS – Chairperson

Municipal Districts: is a rural area that has its own local government

Advisory Committee – groups of concerned citizens and members

                                        of government.  They give advice to the

                                        Council.

Departments – contain the various services for the community.  Each Department Head reports to the Town/City Manager.

         Examples:

·  Finance

·  Corporate Affairs

·  Parks and Recreation

·  Land development

·  Planning and Public Works

Civil Servants – people who are hired to run or work in the government departments.

Ballot – piece of paper used for voting that lists the names of the

             Candidates

Nominate – identify a person as a possible candidate for an elected

                     position.

 Steps taken to run in a municipal election:

1.   Election is called

2.   You must be nominated, and complete the necessary forms and pay an entry fee

3.   Your name is put on the ballot

4.   Organize a campaign committee to help you share your ideas with   your community

5.    Election is held

Petition – a written request that contains the signatures of people who support its content.

Superintendent – responsible for running the schools in a jurisdiction

Trustee – A person who serves on a school board.  They make decisions about schools, buildings, school transportation, where to

spend the money,  make rules and policies for schools, ensure curriculum is taught, listen to the needs of the community in regards to education, etc.

Budget – is a list of items that shows how much money will be spent on each item

5 KINDS OF SCHOOLS

•       Public – open to the public

•       Separate (Catholic) – instruction in the Roman Catholic faith

•       Francophone – children are educated in French

•       Charter schools – special focus ex. Science

•       First Nations schools – their language/religion