The TPS By-law political activity provisions affirm that all members of the public service are eligible to be a candidate for and elected to political office. If you are interested in seeking political office you should understand your rights and responsibilities under the TPS By-law political activity provisions.

Questions & Answers

What must I do if I am seeking election to Toronto City Council?

If you are seeking election to Toronto City Council:

  • You must take an unpaid leave of absence.
  • You are to give your manager a written notice at least two weeks in advance of your intention to take unpaid leave.
  • The leave will begin on the day you file your nomination papers and will end on voting day.

If you are elected to Toronto City Council, you will be deemed to have resigned from your employment with the City or Agency.

What must I do if I am seeking appointment to Toronto City Council?

If you are seeking appointment to Toronto City Council:

  • You must take an unpaid leave of absence.
  • Provide written notice, as soon as possible, of your intention to take unpaid leave to seek appointment pursuant to City or Agency procedures.
  • The leave will begin on the day you file your declaration of qualification and consent papers with the City Clerk and will end when City Council determines who will be appointed.

If you are appointed to Toronto City Council, you will be deemed to have resigned from your employment with the City or Agency.

What must I do if I am seeking election to other Municipal Councils, or School Boards?

If you are seeking election or appointment to other Municipal Councils or School Boards:

  • If you need time off, you must take an unpaid leave of absence or use available vacation or lieu time.
  • You are to give your manager a written notice at least two weeks in advance of your intention to take unpaid leave, vacation or lieu time.

If you are elected or appointed to another municipal council or school board, you are not required to resign but are subject to the provisions of the TPS By-law, other applicable policies and performance expectations.

What must I do if I am seeking election to Provincial or Federal Office?

If you are seeking Election to Provincial or Federal Office:

  • You must take an unpaid leave of absence.
  • You are to give your manager a written notice at least two weeks in advance of your intention to take unpaid leave.
  • The leave will begin on the day you file your nomination papers and ends on voting day.

If you are elected to provincial or federal office, you will be deemed to have resigned from employment with the City or Agency.

Will I have access to city resources or my office during the unpaid leave of absence?

  • No you will not have access to any city resources or your office during your unpaid leave of absence.
  • City resources are not to be used or perceived to be used when seeking political office.
  • This is important to maintain the neutrality of public service and the public’s confidence in the public service.

Will I be entitled to my employee benefits during the unpaid leave of absence?

  • You are entitled to be paid out any vacation pay or overtime pay owing to you during the period of your unpaid leave of absence.
  • Contributions to your pension service credits are not made during your leave of absence. You can maintain your pension service credits by paying both the employee and employer pension contributions for the duration of the leave.