Information for Candidates

The information in this section briefly introduces the requirements for running for office in the City of Fort Saskatchewan. Candidates are responsible for understanding all legislation concerning elections. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

What is the Eligibility to Run for Office
To be eligible to run for office, a prospective candidate must:

  • Be at least 18 years old on Nomination Day (September 22, 2025).
  • Be a Canadian citizen.
  • Be a resident of Fort Saskatchewan for the six consecutive months immediately before Nomination Day.
  • Be a resident of Fort Saskatchewan on Election Day (October 20, 2025).
  • Not be otherwise ineligible or disqualified under the Local Authorities Election Act.

Note: Click the linked heading text below to expand or collapse accordion panels.

Important 2025 Election Update

The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, made changes to two pieces of municipal-related legislation: the Local Authorities Elections Act (LAEA), and the Municipal Government Act (MGA). This legislation came into force on October 31, 2024, and is applicable for the 2025 Election.

The LAEA establishes the framework for the conduct of elections in Alberta municipalities, school divisions, irrigation districts, and Metis Settlements. The MGA establishes the rules governing the conduct of local elected officials once on council, as well as the overall administration and operation of municipal authorities in Alberta. Please click the links above to learn more about these important updates. 

Notice of Intent to Run

Prospective candidates for the 2025 municipal election must submit a Notice of Intent to Run before accepting campaign contributions or incurring campaign expenses.

Submitting a Notice of Intent does not replace the nomination process, nor does it mean you are officially nominated or will appear on the ballot.

Is submitting a Notice of Intent to Run the same as submitting nomination forms? 
No, submitting a notice of intent is just the first step. It doesn’t mean you’re nominated or will be on the ballot. Once accepted and added to the Register of Candidates, you can start accepting campaign contributions and expenses. To officially be on the ballot, you must complete the nomination process between January 1 and September 22, 2025.

What Happens After Filing a Notice of Intent?

  • Your name will be added to the Register of Candidates, a public record on the City’s website.
  • You can begin accepting campaign contributions and incurring campaign expenses.

Candidates must adhere to election finance rules outlined in Part 5.1 of the Local Authorities Election Act and the Expense Limits Regulation.

If there are changes to the information provided in the Notice of Intent, candidates must notify the Election Office within 48 hours.

How to File a Notice of Intent to Run

A Notice of Intent can be submitted anytime during the campaign period. Your Notice of Intent must include:

  • Full name and residential address (including postal code).
  • Contact information (email, phone number, or alternate address if different from above).
  • Address where records are maintained, and communications may be addressed.
  • Name and address of the financial institution(s) used for campaign contributions.
  • Names of signing authorities for the campaign account.
  • Note: A deposit is not required to file a Notice of Intent to Run.

Learn How to File a Notice of Intent 

Download a Notice of Intent Form 

Submit Your Notice of Intent

  1. By Email: Send your written notice to elections@fortsask.ca
  2. By Mail:

City of Fort Saskatchewan
Attn: Legislative Services
10005 102 Street
Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5

The Election Office will confirm receipt of your Notice of Intent within three business days and notify you if any additional information is required.

Nomination Process

Nomination Period

  • Opens: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
  • Closes: Monday, September 22, 2025, at 12:00 pm

Nomination Information

Starting January 2, 2025, Candidate Nomination forms will be accepted in-person at City Hall during regular business hours. You are encouraged to contact the Returning Officer at 780-992-6200 or email elections@fortsask.ca to schedule a date and time to submit the nomination forms. You can also mail or courier the nomination forms to the address below, attention to the Returning Officer, Fort Sask Elections.

City of Fort Saskatchewan
Attn: Returning Officer, Fort Sask Elections
10005 102 Street
Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5

If you want to be nominated in the 2025 Municipal Election in Fort Saskatchewan, review the Candidate Nomination Package and complete the required forms.

Download the Nomination Package 

Nomination Forms

Candidate Information Package

Download the Candidate Information Package

You can access an online version or purchase physical copies of the Local Authorities Election Act by contacting Alberta’s Kings Printer.

Alberta Municipal Affairs has prepared a guide for potential Candidates: A Candidate’s Guide for running for municipal office in Alberta.

Information Session

The City of Fort Saskatchewan will host a Candidate Information Session. More information coming soon.

Resources for Candidates

City Bylaws, Policies, and Guides

Municipal Affairs Resources

Other Resources

Campaign Financing

Submit Contributions and Expenses on or before March 1, 2025.

All individuals who submitted a notice of intent in 2024 must submit their 2024 Campaign Disclosure Statement and Financial Statement (Form 26) by March 1, 2025 to avoid a fine and potential disqualification.

Part 5.1 Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure of the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) outlines the requirements, limitations, and acceptance of contributions.

Filed Campaign Disclosure Statements are publicly available on the City’s website in accordance with the Local Authorities Election Act. Personal information including the residential address of the candidate, official agent, and contributors are redacted.

Please use the legislated Campaign Disclosure Statement and Financial Statement (Form 26) and submit to the Elections office at City Hall.

City of Fort Saskatchewan
Att: Elections Office
10005 102 Street
Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5

Late Filing

Candidates that do not file a Campaign Disclosure Statement and Financial Statement (Form 26) by the deadline must pay a late filing fee of $500.00 to the City of Fort Saskatchewan, in accordance with Section 147.7 of the Local Authorities Election Act.

  • If the late filing fee is not paid within 30 days after the date the fee was payable, notification will be sent to the candidate indicating the amount of the late filing fee that is required to be paid.
  • If the candidate fails to pay the late filing fee, the City of Fort Saskatchewan may file a copy of the notice with the clerk of the Court of King’s Bench, and, on being filed, the notice has the same force and effect that may be enforced as if it were a judgement of the Court.
  • If a Candidate fails to file a Campaign Disclosure Statement as required by the LAEA, a report will be presented to Council and will be made available on the City’s website.

If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment to drop off the form, please contact our Elections office at 780-992-6200 or email: elections@fortsask.ca