Airdrie's 2025 Budget for council deliberation outlines the costs Bill 20 may have on the municipality. According to the documents, 'the municipal election and additional costs from administering elections imposed by Bill 20' may total $500,000.
A breakdown of the half-a-million dollars
According to the budget documents, the $500,000 is divided into two parts. $200,000 has been allocated for municipal elections and plebiscites, which impact the baseline tax adjustment. Baseline tax adjustment includes factors beyond the City's control (e.g., provincially mandated requirements) or those that would have significant consequences if changed (e.g., contractual obligations).
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The budget overview also summarizes the key factors contributing to the $6.2 million needed to balance the budget, divided into two categories: items for Council deliberation and items that will form the baseline tax adjustment in 2025. Within the Council deliberation line items, a cost of $300,000 is listed for municipal elections, which together is $500,000.
Late last week, the province introduced new regulations as part of the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 20), which will come into effect on October 31, ahead of next year’s municipal elections. Among other changes, the Act bans electronic tabulators and other automated voting equipment.
Other key changes within the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) include:
- Local political parties: The regulations permit the establishment of local political parties, specifically in Calgary and Edmonton. These parties can register and be listed on municipal election ballots. They must operate independently of provincial or federal affiliations and are not allowed for school board trustee elections.
- Campaign expense limits: New expenses will be introduced for local candidates and third-party advertisers throughout Alberta. These limits will be tied to municipal populations and automatically adjusted with demographic changes. The regulations will apply during both election and non-election years.
- Use of special ballots: The regulations will expand the use of special ballots in local elections and strengthen the processes surrounding them.
- Criminal record checks: Municipalities will be allowed to require criminal record checks for local candidates, enhancing accountability for those running for office.
NDP is critical of the government's announcement
Kyle Kasawski, the Alberta NDP's Shadow Minister for Municipal Affairs, strongly opposed the changes.
In a statement last week, Kasawski argued that the bill undermines democracy by disregarding the autonomy of municipal officials and the citizens who elect them. He criticized the UCP for overreaching in municipal affairs while simultaneously telling the federal government to "stay in its lane."
Kasawski also accused the UCP of manipulating election rules to favour conservative candidates. He emphasized the importance of provincial support for municipal leaders. He called the decision to ban tabulating machines, which have been used for decades to streamline local elections, a costly mistake influenced by conspiracy theories.
"This will cost property taxpayers millions of dollars," Kasawski said. "At least we can be comfortable that there will be no chemtrails in local elections."
When do budget deliberations begin in Airdrie?
The council will hold three meetings on November 13, 15, and 18 to discuss and finalize the operating and capital budgets for 2025. During these meetings, the Administration will provide further information, and representatives from Airdrie Housing Limited, the Airdrie Public Library, and Airdrie Mainstreet Square Real Estate will present their budgets on the first day.
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