Elections

Form 4 – Candidate Nomination and Acceptance Form

For more information, refer to the How to Guide Form 4.  

For someone who has decided that they want to become a candidate, how do they get started? What do they need to do first?

If someone wants to become a candidate, they must first determine if they are eligible (see question below: "Am I eligible to be a candidate?"). 

Their next step would be to review the candidate information regarding being on Council, including the time commitment, which is a minimum of 20 to 25 hours per week. 

Once they decide running for office is for them, the nomination process, forms and guides are all on the website at www.rmwb.ca/elections. For additional information, please reach out to the Elections Office at 780-743-7000 or elections@rmwb.ca. 

• A person is eligible to be nominated as a candidate if on nomination day the person:
  • is at least 18 years old;
  • is a Canadian citizen;
  • has lived in ward 4 of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for at least 6 consecutive months immediately preceding nomination day; and
  • is not otherwise ineligible or disqualified.
• A candidate must swear or affirm an affidavit (Form 4 – Nomination Paper and Candidate’s Acceptance and complete Form 5 – Candidate Information) before the Returning Officer or a Commissioner for Oaths confirming that they have reviewed the legislation and are eligible to be elected.
• There are reasons a person is not eligible to run as a candidate under the Local Authorities Election Act such as:
  • The person is an auditor of the municipality;
  • The person is an employee of the municipality, unless the person takes a leave of absence;
  • The person is in tax arrears for more than $50 (except current taxes or arrears for which a consolidation agreement is in place and not in default);
  • The person is in arrears to the municipality for any amount exceeding $500 for more than 90 days;
  • The person has been convicted of an offence within the previous 10 years under the Local Authorities Election Act, the Election Act, the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act or the Canada Elections Act;
  • The person has not met the campaign disclosure requirements from a previous election.
• The above information is not inclusive of all reasons for ineligibility. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they read and understand the legislation and ensure they are eligible to be nominated.

• An elector (voter) is eligible to sign nomination forms for a candidate if on the date of signing the nomination:
  • is at least 18 years old;
  • is a Canadian citizen;
  • resides in Alberta; and
  • lives in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and is a resident of ward 4 on the date they sign the nomination papers.
• Family members can sign the nomination forms if they meet the eligibility requirements noted above.
• The Nomination forms must be signed by a minimum of five (5) eligible electors and to ensure the validity of their nomination forms, a candidate is encouraged to submit more than the required five (5) electors in case it is determined later that someone who signed was ineligible. 

It is important to note that only original handwritten (physical) signatures can be accepted. Electronic or photocopied signatures are not valid. 

There is no proof of identity required for nominators; however, it is the prospective candidate’s responsibility to ensure their nominators are eligible voters. Identification is required in order to vote, and a list of authorized ID will be available prior to the election.

What is the required nomination deposit?

How does a potential candidate submit their nomination form? (i.e., is it in-person or online)

A potential candidate may submit their nomination forms by mail or courier or may make arrangements with the Election Office to file their nomination forms in person. 

• The Returning Officer cannot accept a nomination that is:
  • not completed in the prescribed form;
  • not signed by at least five (5) eligible electors;
  • not sworn or affirmed by the person nominated;
  • not accompanied by the required deposit. 
• The Returning Officer does not have the authority to challenge the validity of the information provided on the Nomination Paper and Candidate’s Acceptance Form or the Candidate Information Form. This is the responsibility of the electors of the Municipality and may be challenged through the Court.

Can I withdraw my nomination? Will I get my nomination deposit back?

• Nominations close at 12 noon on Monday, October 7, 2024, and you may withdraw your nomination within 24 hours of the close of nominations, up to 12 noon on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. You may withdraw your nomination providing that more than the required number of candidates have been nominated for the office that you were seeking.
• The Returning Officer cannot accept your withdrawal if it results in less than the required number of candidates for that office.
• If a candidate’s withdrawal is accepted, the full nomination deposit will be refunded.  Also, nomination deposits are refunded if the candidate is elected or receives at least 50% of the vote of the last person elected to that office.  

Is there an ideal professional profile preferred to be a councillor candidate and serve efficiently to the public?

Candidates come from all walks of life and offer many different skills, abilities and points of view in their desire to serve the public. There is nothing in governing legislation that requires candidates to have certain professional profiles, abilities, or skills. 

How much time is typically spent on Council business each week?

• The position of Councillor is considered to be part-time; however, in addition to Council Meetings, Councillors may be appointed to any number of Committees, which often hold their meetings in the evenings.
  • Councillors may also be invited to multiple community events throughout their term, which are not mandatory to attend but will add to the time commitment depending on the number invitations and type of events that are accepted by the Councillor.
• The recent events and economic conditions within the Municipality have resulted in an increase in business activity. It is anticipated that during the term of office 2021–2025, the following is the minimum time commitment required of Councillors:
  • Evening Meetings:          3 meetings monthly (approximately 4:00 - 10:00 p.m.)
  • Daytime Meetings:          2 full days per quarter (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
  • Weekend Meetings:        1 full day per quarter (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
  • Meeting Preparation:      3-6 hours per week (depending on agendas)
• Minimum Average Weekly Time Commitment: 20 – 25 hours
• Note: There are multiple commitments for elected Council Members immediately following the election that include the Organizational Meeting, orientation, governance training, and attendance at conferences in addition to Council and Committee meetings.

Yes, Council Members do receive compensation and the Elected Officials Compensation, Travel and Expenses Policy LEG-050 outlines all the compensation and is available at www.rmwb.ca/council under Policies.

Are Councillors able to remain on Municipal Boards and Committees?

If you were appointed as a public member to a Municipal Board or Committee, you would be deemed resigned if elected to Council.

There are a number of Municipal Boards and Committees that have Council representation, which may be as a voting member or a non-voting Council liaison. The Candidate Information Guide contains information on Council representation on the various committees. For further information on Council Appointed Boards and Committees, please visit www.rmwb.ca/boards.

In accordance with governing legislation, elected officials cannot be members of tribunals – Assessment Review Board, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board and Community Standards Appeal Committee.

Drop off, mail or courier your completed forms and any required supporting materials to: