Can George Pirie run to be MPP while he’s still Mayor of Timmins?

With Mayor George Pirie being confirmed as the Conservative candidate for the legislature next June, certain questions arise.

“Can he legally run while remaining mayor?” is one of them.  The quick answer is “yes”.

City Hall communications coordinator Amanda Dyer has put out a list of questions and answers.

1. Can a Mayor or Councillor run as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP)?
   A. Yes. A Mayor or Councillor can run in a provincial election without resigning their seat. After the election, if the person is declared elected as MPP, then they must resign their council seat.Q. Does a Mayor or Councillor running in a provincial election have to resign their seat or take a leave of absence?
   A. No. Neither the Municipal Act, the Municipal Elections Act, or the City of Timmins Procedural By-Law 2017-8039 require that a candidate in a provincial election resign their seat or take a leave of absence.Q. How does Council fill a vacancy should one occur?
   A. If a vacancy occurs, Council can decide to appoint a member of council to fill the vacancy from within if the vacant position is of Mayor; or, require a by-election to be held to fill the vacancy. If the vacancy occurs within 90 days before voting day of a regular election, Council is not required to fill the vacancy.

   Q. Does a Mayor or Councillor running in a provincial election continue to have voting rights at the Council table?
   A. Yes. The member retains all voting rights and privileges as all members of council.

    

   Resources:
   *         The Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25
   *         The Municipal Elections Act, 1996, c. 32
   *         City of Timmins Procedural By-Law 2017-8039