Elections BC has released the spending limits for candidates running in the 2022 local election, happening on Oct. 15.
Spending limits are set on a community-by-community basis, based on the municipality’s population.
Prince George candidates running for the mayor’s seat will be limited to spending $55,922.34, while candidates for Prince George city council are restricted to spending $28,297.80. Third parties will be limited to a maximum of $2,796.12 in directed advertising.
Under the city’s current council remuneration bylaw, last updated in 2019, the mayor is paid $127,889 per year and city councilors earn $37,466 per year. However, city council is expected to receive a report with recommendations regarding council remuneration later this year.
Candidates running for school board in Prince George will be allowed to spend up to $32,547.30, while candidates in the Mackenzie and McBride areas are restricted to $5,398.92. Third-party spending will be limited to $1,627.37 in the Prince George area and $808.84 in the rural areas.
Under the school district’s remuneration policy, the board chairperson currently receives $23,155 per year, the vice-chairperson $21,655 and regular trustees $20,155 per year. Like the city, the board of trustees is expected to review recommendations regarding trustee remuneration later this year.
People running to be rural directors of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George and Bear Lake community commissioners are also restricted to a maximum of $5,398.92. Third party advertising will be limited to a maximum of $809.84.
As of 2018, electoral area directors of the regional district received $18,750.63 per year in remuneration and municipal directors received $12,147.02 per year. The chairperson received an additional $16,774.45 per year and the vice-chairperson received an additional $2,892.16 per year.
Bear Lake community commissioners receive $125 remuneration for each meeting attended, with the vice-chair of the commission receiving $135 per meeting and the chairperson receiving $150 per meeting.
Campaign expense limits apply from Sept. 17 to Oct. 15. The official nomination period for candidates is Aug. 30 to Sept. 9.
ELECTION WORKERS NEEDED
The City of Prince George is looking to recruit election officials for the Oct. 15 election, and advance voting days on Oct. 5, Oct. 6, Oct. 11 and Oct. 12.
Election officials are paid $200 per day, plus $50 for attending a training session. All officials must be available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on election day and each of the advance voting days, as well as to attend a training session on Sept. 13 or Sept. 22.
People interested can apply online or pick up an application from the service centre at city hall. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31.
