Oh, Canada (Let’s talk Politics): Municipal Government

If city hall doesn’t thrill you, would you be fine with a city that’s missing parks, community spaces, and well-maintained roads?

Oh Canada, Let’s Talk Politics by Diva Negi, welcomes you to the importance of municipal elections and politics. 

A municipal government is a local governing body that provides daily life services, therefore affecting key aspects of day-to-day living and contributing to a larger picture.

However, Statistics Canada shows that only 52.5% of Canadians aged 18-30 vote in the last municipal elections as compared to 77.7% for those 47 and older. What this means is that when young voices don’t show up at the ballot boxes, the rising problems of today’s generation go unheard.

Even though for young voters, it is still their city, their sidewalks, transit routes, and parks that get built or neglected.

This creates an assumption which turns into reality that “big impacts” happen elsewhere, in provincial and federal elections, but change starts from within your own home.

If fewer people, especially youth, engage with local government, we risk letting others decide how our neighbourhoods look, how our services run, and who benefits. Creating disparities in already unequal systems of justice and policy.

So let’s break down Municipal Politics as well as elections, so you can be an informed voter or youth building a better city.

Key Facts

The municipal mayor is elected every 4 years by all eligible voters in the city. What this elected position means is that the mayor will act as the city’s chief representative and chair the city council meetings.

As for City councillors, on a local scale;

• Calgary is divided into 14 wards, each electing one councillor.
  
  

• Councillors will represent their ward’s residents and make decisions on city policies, budgets, and local issues.

The hierarchy of municipal politics is as follows, from the least amount of influence held to the most. (On a municipal level)

City staff / administrators → Committees & advisory boards → City Councillors → Committee Chairs / Deputy Mayor → Mayor

Election process:

• Anyone 18+ and a Canadian citizen habituated in Calgary is eligible and encouraged to vote.
  
  

• Candidates will campaign before the election, and residents will vote in person, by mail, or online (if available).
  
  

• The municipal government cannot make laws without City Council approval.

Now that we know the basics of municipal elections and who comprises the governance systems, let’s take a look at a few of the responsibilities of a municipal government.

• Local services 

1. 1. 1. Handles garbage, recycling, water, snow removal, and road maintenance.

      2. Keeps fundamental daily operations like Calgary Transit and infrastructure running efficiently.

• Planning and development

1. 1. 1. Power over how land will be used, zoned and/or developed across the city.

      2. Approves new construction of neighbourhoods, buildings, and implements long-term city growth plans.

• Public safety

1. 1. 1. Supervises law enforcement, such as Calgary Police and manages Fire and emergency response services.

      2. In charge of running community safety programs and ensuring quick responses in times of crises.

• Parks, Recreation, and Community Programs

1. 1. 1. Maintains free third spaces that are of public access, such as; parks, recreation centres, and green spaces for example, Nose Hill and Prince’s Island Park in Calgary.

      2. Supports sports, youth programs, and local cultural or community events.

• Taxes, Budgets, and Policy

1. 1. Will be funded primarily through property taxes and city service fees.

   2. City Council gets to decide how money is spent as well as put in place local laws and clarify priorities.

How Youth Can Be Involved in or Create Change?

Many youth who are under 18 often feel as though their ineligibility to vote means that their voices don’t count and actions go unnoticed; however, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make an impact. 

Here is how:

• Youth Advisory Committees, such as the Calgary Police Service Youth Advisory Board and the Child and Youth Advisory Council (Southern Alberta), among others.

• Attend Council Meetings, these are open to the public and give u a glimpse into how decisions are made, and you may even get a chance to speak during public hearings.
  

• Petitions & Public Campaigns, in the double-edged sword era of digital advocacy, youth can utilize it for good by creating change through organizing petitions or social media campaigns to raise awareness about local issues (e.g., public transit, mental health programs).
  

• Voting When Eligible, take on the responsibility to educate and share the importance of voting during municipal elections to your friends, family and communities, and once you do turn 18, you can participate to influence local leadership!
  
  

Conclusion

Municipal government in Calgary aren’t a distant, abstract and inconsequential event. It directly affects day-to-day life, from transit and parks to snow removal.

Youth can influence change even before they can vote, by joining advisory committees, attending council meetings, volunteering, and advocating for their communities.