2024 Civic Election campaign financing rules: City Clerk’s Office reminder

Saskatoon’s 2024 Civic Election will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Eligible voters will cast their ballot for Mayor, City Councillors, and Public and Catholic School Board Trustees for the next four-year term of local government.

The City Clerk’s Office reminds any unofficial or prospective municipal election candidates that the The Campaign Disclosure and Spending Limits Bylaw, 2006, outlines the campaign financing rules for the 2024 Civic Election this November:

• The Campaign Period as defined in the Bylaw begins on June 1 of the year of a general election, ending on the date of the election; in this election year that date is November 13, 2024. 

• The Campaign Expenses Period also begins June 1, but runs until December 15, allowing for accommodation and accounting of final expenses.

Campaign expenses, except the allowed activities as defined in the Bylaw, are not to be incurred outside of the Campaign Expenses Period.

Exceptions allowed are for the advance preparation of:

• election advertising materials
• website development
• signs
• incidental financial charges associated with accepting campaign contributions

These expenditures may be incurred prior to the Campaign Expenses Period, but they must be recorded and disclosed as campaign expenses in accordance with the Bylaw and the materials or resources are not to be used until the Campaign Period (June 1 to November 13).

The City of Saskatoon has appointed an independent Election Disclosure Complaints Officer to investigate any complaint where a candidate has filed false, misleading or incomplete disclosure of campaign contributions or expenses pursuant to the Bylaw.  Following an investigation, the Officer makes a final determination about the validity of complaints and any recommendations of whether prosecution is warranted.

Failing to file the required statement of campaign contributions and expenses may also result in prosecution under the Bylaw.

The Bylaw contains offences and penalties, which include fines and disqualification from office for any candidate who is elected and found to have contravened any provision(s) of the Bylaw.

The City Clerk’s Office recommends anyone interested in running for City Council carefully review the requirements of the Bylaw and The Local Government Election Act, 2015 to avoid any inadvertent violation of the Bylaw and Act which could affect their ability to serve should they be elected.

Any election-related questions or concerns can be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at city.clerks@saskatoon.ca or call 306-975-3240.

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote for additional 2024 Civic Election-related information.