The municipality cannot host all candidates debates to maintain political neutrality during the Municipal Election.
The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 does not require candidate debates to be held, and the municipal clerk is not responsible for organizing meetings or debates. Debates can be organized by community groups, media outlets, candidates or any other interested persons.
In the event of a public debate hosted by a community service group, a facility on municipal property may be offered as the venue at the discretion of the Facilities Booking Clerk, provided that:
- All registered candidates (within the specified office of election for the debate) are invited to attend.
- Distribution of campaign literature (such as flyers, brochures, or business cards) at the event is kept at a modest, controlled manner.
- Large posters, banners, election signs, buttons, giveaways, and campaign clothing and merchandise sales are not permitted.
- Campaign literature shall be permitted only for candidates within the office for which the debate is being held (e.g., a Mayoral candidate may not distribute literature at a Ward 3 debate).
The above limitations apply only where a debate is held at a facility on municipal property; debates held at other venues will be subject to any rules and requirements which may be established by the host.
