Municipal Politics and Elections in Canada

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Questions and Answers

How has the decision-making power in Alexandria shifted?

  • Local governments have gained more power in decision-making.
  • There has been no significant shift in decision-making power.
  • Corporate and governmental institutions outside Alexandria have gained more power in decision-making. (correct)
  • Local communities in Alexandria have gained more power in decision-making.

What did the reform movement seek to achieve in Canadian municipal politics?

  • To eliminate the influence of political parties in municipal decisions. (correct)
  • To establish a clear separation of powers between federal and municipal governments.
  • To ensure that all citizens have an equal say in municipal decision-making.
  • To introduce political parties into municipal elections.

The maxim "There is no political way to pave a road" is meant to illustrate:

  • The need for public consultation in road-building decisions.
  • The importance of technical expertise in infrastructure projects.
  • The inherent inefficiency of municipal governments.
  • The corrupt nature of pre-reform municipal politics. (correct)

What is a key reason cited for the lack of attention to small-town politics in American literature?

<p>American state governments have been more attentive to local decisions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How was municipal council membership in early major Canadian cities different from today?

<p>In the past, membership was dominated by elites, but this has changed today. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the reform movement change the process of awarding contracts for municipal projects?

<p>Contracts were awarded based on a combination of price and quality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the political landscape changed regarding road-building decisions?

<p>Decisions are now subject to more political debate and scrutiny. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's perspective on the role of specialized roles in a complex urban society?

<p>Specialized roles promote the control of economic forces over political decisions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What analogy does the author use to compare the decision-making process in early Canadian cities with contemporary times?

<p>Comparing decision-making to a board of directors meeting. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that candidates in municipal politics often use the term "sound business principles" to emphasize their:

<p>Independence from political parties and their influence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text explain the persistence of non-partisan approaches in municipal politics?

<p>The influence of the reform movement continues to shape municipal politics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main argument regarding the role of economic forces in urban development?

<p>Urban development is a result of a complex interplay between economic forces and political decisions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Paul Peterson's argument about municipal political parties suggests that:

<p>Local issues are not significant enough to attract party involvement. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are big banks and energy companies unlikely to directly participate in municipal campaigns?

<p>Their influence on city decisions is indirect and through other channels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor does the text identify as a major distinction between national and municipal politics in Canada?

<p>The level of media attention paid to political activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point made in the excerpt about urban developers?

<p>Urban developers have a significant influence on urban development policy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum percentage of municipal operating budgets attributed to councils?

<p>1 percent (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant decision did the Halifax Regional Municipality council make in 2010 regarding council size?

<p>To maintain 23 councillors for the 2012 election (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason provided for the difficulty in comparing council costs across municipalities?

<p>Obtaining comparable data is difficult (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who provided expert advice to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board regarding the issue of council size?

<p>Both A and B (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge HRM councillors faced since amalgamation?

<p>Balancing diverse interests within the political entity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the discussions about the council size take place?

<p>2009 to 2011 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a concern expressed by citizens regarding the council size?

<p>To reduce the size of the council (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What caution did Jack Novack give regarding council size changes?

<p>They shouldn't be done under the guise of improved decision-making (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the mayoral vote did Denis Coderre receive?

<p>32% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which party won the most council seats in the Montreal municipal elections?

<p>Team Denis Coderre for Montreal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about municipal election laws in Quebec and British Columbia compared to other provinces?

<p>They provide for the existence of municipal parties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What funding condition is provided under the Quebec law for municipal elections?

<p>Parties receiving more than 15% of the total vote get half of their expenditures refunded. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which municipal party in Canada is noted for wanting to keep political parties out of municipal politics?

<p>NPA (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect did Projet Montréal primarily focus on in their political agenda?

<p>Environmental issues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the provincial support for municipal parties NOT guarantee?

<p>Stability of municipal political parties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What scenario does the explanation about municipal parties suggest may occur in Montreal?

<p>Potential breakdown of the municipal party system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was acknowledged by Novack regarding the ideal size of a municipal council?

<p>He did not conduct research to support any particular number. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concern did Williams express about reducing the council size?

<p>It might invite unforeseen consequences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the HRM board decide regarding the council size starting from the 2012 municipal election?

<p>To reduce the council to a mayor and 16 councillors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason the HRM board justified the reduction of council members?

<p>To align with the preferences shown by citizens. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of population per councillor, how does HRM compare to other Canadian municipalities?

<p>HRM has a larger population per councillor than the average. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are public meetings of the municipal council characterized?

<p>They can be messy with confusion about motions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is highlighted as a notable feature of small non-partisan municipal councils?

<p>They demonstrate representative democracy in action. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum percentage difference allowed for the least populous ward in Halifax compared to the average?

<p>18.8 per cent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the governance of federal and provincial legislatures differ from municipal councils?

<p>They are characterized by more political theatre. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) view pie-shaped wards?

<p>They can create inequity among communities of interest. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one method suggested for defining urban communities of interest?

<p>Creating wards along major arteries to the core area. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How frequently are municipal councils in Quebec required to review ward boundaries?

<p>Every four years (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) play in municipal council decisions regarding ward boundaries?

<p>They allow for appeals against council decisions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a drawback of not regularly reviewing ward boundaries, as seen in some provinces?

<p>Population distribution may become unequal. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concern was raised about suburban communities in the context of ward boundaries?

<p>They may be overprotected at the expense of urban areas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the historical goal of reformers a hundred years ago regarding elections?

<p>To eliminate wards altogether. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Reform Movement Impact

Convinced voters that political parties thwarts business-like municipal decisions.

Political Way to Pave a Road

The notion that there is no politicized method for road construction decisions.

Centralizing Forces

Governmental and corporate institutions making decisions for local communities.

Road Building Contracts

Contracts should go to those balancing quality and price, not political favors.

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Small-town Politics

Political dynamics at the local level often impacted by external forces.

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Genuine Political Debate

Modern road decisions are often the subject of real political discussion.

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Municipal Councils

Local government bodies responsible for making decisions for communities.

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Non-partisan Approach

Preference for decisions in municipal politics without party involvement.

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Anti-party Reformers

Those advocating for limited political party roles in municipal elections.

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Political Elites

Wealthy or influential individuals who historically dominated local governance.

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Functional Specialization

The process where different roles become distinct within complex societies.

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Municipal Political Parties

Parties at the municipal level struggle due to lack of significant issues.

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Paul Peterson's View

Political parties cannot thrive solely in municipal contexts due to unimportance of issues.

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Role Differentiation

The variation of roles in society to enhance efficiency and organization.

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Urban Development Control

The significant role of municipal governments in governing city growth and structure.

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Economic Forces Influence

Powerful economic entities often influence decisions of elected officials.

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Cost of Councils

Costs associated with councils typically represent less than 1% of municipal budgets.

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Halifax Regional Municipality

A municipal entity governed by a mayor and 23 councillors, established in 1996.

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Ward Boundaries Review

Halifax council must review its size and boundaries every eight years.

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Council Size Debate

Controversial discussions on maintaining or reducing council sizes occurred in Halifax 2009-2011.

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Public Perception of Costs

Concerns about council costs are generally exaggerated and unfounded.

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Role of Political Scientists

Experts provided advice during council size hearings in Halifax.

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Decision-Making Efficiency

Changing council size for efficiency claims was cautioned against by experts.

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Amalgamation Challenges

HRM councillors face complex challenges in balancing diverse urban interests after amalgamation.

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Denis Coderre

Former federal Liberal cabinet minister and Montreal mayoral candidate who received 32% of the vote.

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Projet Montréal

The main opposition party in Montreal focused on environmental issues, winning 20 council seats.

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Municipal party system

A framework for the organization and election of parties at the municipal level which may be breaking down in Montreal.

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Elector organizations/slates

Terms used in British Columbia for groups similar to municipal parties allowing for candidates to run under a collective name.

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Public funding in Quebec

Quebec law provides funding for municipal candidates based on their vote percentage, benefiting candidates with over 15% of the vote.

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NPA in Vancouver

The Non-Partisan Association in Vancouver, known for opposing political parties in municipal governance.

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Civic Party in Montreal

A political party in Montreal that lasted no longer than its founding mayor's career.

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The role of municipal political parties

Key question in governance, determining the stability and effectiveness of local political representation.

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HRM Council Size Reduction

The decision to reduce the HRM council size to 16 councillors and a mayor.

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Novack's Research Acknowledgement

Novack admitted he did not research the ideal number of councillors.

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Williams' Caution

Williams warned that cutting council size might have unforeseen consequences.

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Council Composition Justification

Justification for council size based on citizen preferences and comparison to similar municipalities.

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Residents per Councillor Ratio

The HRM has 22,947 residents for each councillor, based on 2011 population data.

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Municipal Council Dynamics

Councillors' interactions often involve shifting voting alliances and discussions.

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Representative Democracy in Action

Municipal councils showcase real decision-making unlike political theatre in higher legislatures.

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Public Council Meetings

Meetings where decisions are made, often reported in local media.

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Municipal Ward Population

The ideal maximum population per municipal ward is 15%.

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Communities of Interest

Groups with shared interests that influence ward boundaries.

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Inequitable Ward Systems

Ward distribution can unfairly favor suburban areas over urban.

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Urban vs. Rural Wards

Urban areas often can't have equal-sized wards due to diverse populations.

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Ward Boundary Review Frequency

Some councils must review ward boundaries every four years.

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Appeals to Ward Decisions

Citizens can appeal municipal council decisions on wards.

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Pie-shaped Wards

Wards can be designed along major roads, resembling pie slices.

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At-Large Elections

A system that previously aimed to eliminate individual ward representation.

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Study Notes

Municipal Politics, Councils, and Elections

  • Much of local government structure is under provincial jurisdiction, influencing decisions and how municipal councils function.
  • Understanding municipal politics involves more than formal rules; it also considers informal rules, conventions, and power acquisition.
  • Municipal councils are the formal power source, elected members are at the head. The election process itself is examined in further detail below.
  • Social elites often play a crucial role in decision-making, especially in smaller communities, but that role is less important in larger Canadian cities.
  • During the mid-20th century, studies explored the role of social elites in local communities by examining how "power" is acquired or denied in order to understand Canadian municipal government.
  • Studies have explored how Canadian municipalities evolved (in terms of power structure) over time.
  • Political parties, to a lesser extent, have traditionally played a key role in national politics, less so in local Canadian politics.
  • The reform movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries had a major impact on North American cities aiming at cleaning up governance and making it more efficient and less corrupt.
  • The reform movement had implications on municipal politics as the importance of political parties was downplayed for municipal decision-making.
  • Reformers prioritized non-partisan policies and efficient municipal governance; focusing on expertise and efficiency over "political factors" in decision-making.
  • There is little evidence of significant national party influence on municipal politics in Canada.
  • Provincial governments played an important role in establishing municipalities, and they gave them a degree of freedom to address local issues in their earlier days.
  • In Canada's major cities, municipal council memberships are no longer dominated by social/economic elites.
  • The political structures of cities that were created in Canada's early history changed drastically.
  • The formal source of power in municipal governance is considered the municipal council, composed of elected members.
  • Elections matter greatly in municipal governance.

Municipal Politics and Political Parties

  • The formal source of power in municipal government is the municipal council. The roles of members (elected) are elaborated on in further detail below.
  • The structure or composition of councils in various Canadian municipalities—with regards to size and composition—is elaborated on below.
  • Historical patterns of power in Canadian municipalities are considered in the analysis of municipal politics.
  • Formal rules governing municipal elections are elaborated in further detail in the following sections.

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