NORTHERN MUNICIPALITIES ACT UPDATED - ALLOWS CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS

The provincial government has introduced the Northern Municipalities Act, 2009, a consistent, strengthened foundation for municipal government which responds to specific needs, including allowing criminal record checks, of people in Saskatchewan's north.

"I would like to thank New North and the review committee, which represented communities across the north, for their contributions to this Act," Municipal Affairs Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "The extensive public review and consultation has resulted in strong legislation, aspects of which break ground not only in Saskatchewan, but across Canada. It helps our entire province move forward."

Northerners strongly advocated for criminal record checks for those running in northern municipal elections. The Act gives northern municipal councils the option of passing a bylaw requiring a basic criminal record check in the election nomination process.

"The option exists and each municipality is in the best position to decide if this is something that should become part of its local elections," Harrison said. "It is not to disqualify someone from running, but to enable people to make more informed choices about who they wish to vote for. These checks, it is felt, would help maintain public confidence and respect in those who hold public office."

The provincial government has decided this option should also be extended to The Cities Act and The Municipalities Act. Amendments introduced to those Acts will allow all municipalities in the province to have the option of passing a bylaw to require basic criminal record checks for those who wish to run in municipal elections.

The provision appears to be unique across Canada for municipal elections.

While much of the updated Northern Municipalities Act is consistent with legislation guiding rural and urban municipal governments in the south, and provides greater autonomy and flexibility for northern municipalities, it also includes many proposals unique to northern Saskatchewan.

The updated Act provides increased authority for northern municipalities to respond to situations involving dangerous dogs. It continues provisions to create municipal development corporations with strengthened requirements for financial accountability and includes streamlined provisions for regional municipal service districts where two or more municipalities can choose to share multiple services or provide services to another party.

"I am confident this new Act will help northern municipalities meet the present and future needs of northern Saskatchewan," Harrison said.

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For more information, contact:

Jeff Welke
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6156
Email: jeff.welke@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-1185