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Purpose
The Library must act and appear to act in a non-partisan way at all times, while supporting the democratic process, freedom of expression and informed discussion on political issues. The library must comply with legislation related to elections. Regulations are included in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, which requires that the Board establish rules and procedures with respect to the use of Library resources during the election campaign period.
This policy applies to Board members, employees and volunteers of the library in their dealings with candidates and political parties and the use of library resources during the campaign periods for municipal elections, but these rules and procedures will also be used for provincial and federal elections, and referendums.
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Campaign Contributions
In accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, Section 70(4), the Election Finances Act, Section 16(1), and Canada Elections Act, Section 404(1), the Board may not make a contribution to the campaign of any candidate or political party in the form of money, goods or services.
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Use of Library Resources or Property
- All candidates and political parties have equal access to publicly available resources and services of the library.
- Meeting rooms may be rented in accordance with the Shaw Community Hub Rental policy.
- Candidates cannot use equipment, supplies, staff or other operational resources of the library nor may they use the library’s logo in any campaign material.
- ‘All-candidates’ meetings can be held at the library, either as a library program or sponsored by another group, provided that all candidates are invited to attend such meetings. A candidate cannot be featured or promoted in association with any other regular library program or event.
- Candidates and political parties are permitted to distribute campaign materials on public right-of-ways at the library, unless prohibited by a municipal by-law.
- In accordance with the Canada Elections Act, Section 81.1(1), federal election candidates or their representatives are allowed to campaign in facilities that are available for free to the public. During municipal and provincial elections candidates will be granted the same right to campaign in the library.
- During an election the library will promote awareness of the election; and provide general information on elections.
- No election sign or poster specific to a candidate or political party can be posted on the grounds of the library or in the library building.
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Employee and Volunteer Participation in Election Campaigns
- Any library employee running as a candidate in the municipal election will comply with the Municipal Elections Act, Section 30.
- A library employee or volunteer involved in a political campaign must be politically neutral in carrying out his or her library duties and must not participate in campaign activities during his or her working hours
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Library Board Members as Candidates
Board members may continue their library board responsibilities when they are running for office.
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Requests for Information about the Library
- The CEO will coordinate requests for information about the library received from candidates or political parties.
- Information that is provided by the library to one candidate or political party will be provided to all other candidates and political parties upon request during an election.
- Any candidate or political party may request a meeting with the CEO or tour of the library.
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