The Cariboo Regional District has received information from the province of British Columbia, which announced a new regulation regarding the eligibility of volunteers to run in local government elections.
The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development’s announcement provides clarification on what constitutes a local government “employee” versus a “volunteer” for the purposes of running for office in the applicable local government.
The province defined what monetary compensation a volunteer may receive and how it affects an individual’s eligibility to run for office.
The regulation also outlines that the following is not considered monetary compensation for volunteers and thereby makes them eligible to run for office, provided they meet the other necessary requirements (18 years of age or older, Canadian citizen, BC resident, etc.):
• reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred and reimbursed that arise directly out of the performance of the volunteer services for a municipality or regional district;
• the provision of insurance coverage, workers’ compensation coverage, personal clothing, equipment or training directly related to the performance of the volunteer services for a municipality or regional district;
• gifts in recognition of long or exemplary service in the provision of volunteer services to a municipality or regional district.
For further information or questions, contact the Cariboo Regional District’s Chief Election Officer, Alice Johnston, or Deputy Chief Election Officer, Rick Hodgson at 1-250-392-3351 or toll free at 1-800-665-1636.