City of Toronto: Elections: Frequently asked questions

You may need the free Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view PDF files.

Information on City Council or School Boards

City Council
	City Council Information on City Council The City of Toronto provides current information on Council salaries, benefits and office expenses
School Boards
	What is a school board? A school board operates the province's publicly funded schools. There are four types of school boards in Ontario: English Language Public School Board English Language Catholic School Board French Language Public School Board French Language Catholic School Board The four school boards covering the area of Toronto are: Toronto District School Board Toronto Catholic District School Board Conseil scolaire de district du Centre-Sud-Ouest Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud
	Who makes up a school board? Elected trustees make up a school board. The number of trustees on a board is based on the population in the board's area of jurisdiction. Within the City of Toronto boundaries there presently are: 22 English Language Public School Board trustees 12 English Language Catholic School Board trustees 3 French Language Public School Board trustees 2 French Language Catholic School Board trustees
	What are the areas of jurisdiction for each of the four school boards? The following is a brief description of the area of jurisdiction for each school board: The Toronto District School Board (PDF) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (PDF) boundaries are the same as the boundaries for the City of Toronto. The Conseil scolaire de district du Centre-Sud-Quest (PDF) and Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud (PDF) (French Language School Boards): boundaries expand beyond the City of Toronto's boundaries. Even though the boundaries for the two French Language School Boards exceed the City of Toronto's boundaries, people who wish to run in the Toronto wards for either of the French Language School Boards must file their nomination paper with the City of Toronto.
	What is the role of a school board? A school board: plans and establishes policies and by-laws builds, equips and furnishes schools ensures education programs meet the needs of the community approves textbooks and other learning materials based on a list provided by the Province supervises the operation of the schools and their teaching programs hires principals and teachers establishes a school council for each school prepares an annual budget Refer to the Education Act for more detailed information on the school board's duties and powers.
	What is the role of a school board trustee? School board trustees: approve annual board budget as part of the Board, deliberate and establish policies as authorized by the Education Act monitor implementation of Ministry of Education and Board policy and programs consult, represent and advocate for the constituents in their ward
Information on running for City Council or School Boards
	What qualifications do I need to become a candidate? For the position of mayor or councillor you must be: a Canadian citizen at least 18 years of age a resident of the City of Toronto, or own or lease property in the City of Toronto (or be the spouse of the owner or lessee) eligible to vote, and not disqualified to hold office by any legislation For the position of school board trustee you must be: a Canadian citizen at least 18 years of age a resident in the area of jurisdiction eligible to vote for the school board and not disqualified to hold office by any legislation
	Do I have to live in the ward that I want to run in? To run for mayor or councillor, you must live, own or lease property in the City of Toronto. If you wish to run for councillor, you do not have to live in the ward. To run for school board trustee you must live in the area of the jurisdiction.
	How and when can I become a candidate? In order to become a candidate you must: file a "Nomination Paper" file a "Declaration of Qualification" pay a nomination filing fee The earliest you can file your nomination paper is January 4, 2010. The above forms will be available on the City of Toronto website prior to January 4, 2010.
	How do I file my nomination paper? You must bring your nomination paper to either one of the following locations during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, 1st floor, north Toronto Elections Office, 89 Northline Road A nomination paper must be completed and signed by the person running for office in the presence of a Commission of Oaths. A Commissioner of Oaths will be available, free of charge, at Toronto City Hall and Toronto Election Office at 89 Northline Road during regular business hours.
	What do I need to bring when I file my nomination paper? You must bring in one piece of current identification showing your name and qualifying address and the nomination filing fee (cash, certified cheque or money order). The following are acceptable pieces of identification: government issued identification or form that shows your name and address (for example, a driver's licence or income tax assessment) City of Toronto property bill residential bill (for example, your home hydro, gas, water, telephone or cable bill) hospital card bank statement mortgage, rental or lease agreement insurance policy (for home or auto) pay stub or letter from your current employer Identification not accepted includes: passport cell phone bill
	Can I start raising and spending money on my campaign now? You cannot raise or spend any money on your campaign until you file your nomination paper. The earliest you can file your nomination paper is January 4, 2010.
	Do I need to be nominated by other people? No. In the past, potential candidates had to be nominated by a number of people who signed a nomination paper. That is no longer needed.
	How much does it cost to become a candidate? There is a $200 filing fee for Mayoralty candidates and a $100 filing fee for Councillor or School Trustee candidates. The filing fee must be paid when you file your nomination paper and the payment must be: cash certified cheque or money order payable to "Treasurer, City of Toronto"
Links
	Related links You may find information on these websites: Toronto District School Board Toronto Catholic District School Board Conseil scolaire de district du Centre-Sud-Ouest Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud Chartered Accountants of Ontario Municipal Elections Act, 1996 City of Toronto Act, 2006 Education Act Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
	Publications The following publications are also available for purchase: Municipal Elections Act, 1996 www.e-laws.gov.on.ca Government of Ontario Book Store 880 Bay Street, Toronto, ON phone: 416-326-5300 Municipal Elections Law 2006 www.municipalworld.com Municipal World Inc. Box 399, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V3 519-633-0031 Candidates and Electors www.municipalworld.com Municipal World Inc. Box 399, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V3 519-633-0031 How to Campaign for Municipal Elected Office www.municipalworld.com Municipal World Inc. Box 399, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V3 519-633-0031 Note: These publications are only available for the 2006 election. Publications for the 2010 election will not be available until approximately the spring of 2010. If you purchase any books or resources before you file your nomination paper, you cannot include those purchases as campaign expenses.