3010 – Political Candidate Visits During Federal, Provincial and Municipal Elections
- Legal References
- Employment Standards Act
- Election Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.6
- Canada Elections Act
- Municipal Elections Act, 1996
- Related References
- WRDSB Guidelines for Schools During Federal, Provincial & Municipal Elections
- Board Policy 3008 – Use of Board Resources During the Election Campaign
- Effective Date
- November 9, 2020
- Revisions
- March 17, 2025
- Reviewed
- .
1. Purpose
It is the responsibility of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) to ensure consistent and appropriate management of requests from candidates during municipal, provincial or federal elections, including all by-elections.
2. Definitions
2.1 For a provincial or federal election, an election campaign period is defined as the period beginning with the issue of the writ and ending on polling day unless defined otherwise in current legislation.
2.2 For a municipal election, an election campaign period is defined as a period beginning on the day on which the clerk receives the individual’s nomination for the office under section 33 of the Municipal Election Act and ends on December 31 unless defined otherwise in current legislation.
3. Application
3.1 School Visits by Candidates
3.1.1 Individual candidates will not be permitted to visit a school during an election campaign. This includes informal visits to classrooms and meetings with school administrators.
3.1.2 Requests for invitations to visit schools during an election or by-election campaign must be declined, and previously scheduled events must be rescheduled.
3.1.3 Current trustees standing for re-election may continue to be involved in school events and activities that would normally have the local trustee in attendance in accordance with Board Policy 3008 – Use of Board Resources During the Election Campaign, e.g. school openings, award ceremonies, boundary studies, family math nights.
3.1.4 If invited by a school, incumbent school board and provincial or federal elected representatives may visit schools in their own zone or constituency at any time in the course of their regular constituency duties. They shall not campaign or conduct themselves in any way that may be perceived as campaigning, which includes being accompanied by the media.
3.2 All-candidate Meeting
The WRDSB allows all-candidate meetings and other learning activities that are part of the classroom program. The format of the meetings must allow all candidates an equal opportunity to address their issues.
3.2.1 These may be organized by classes during the regular school day or by community organizations or school councils after school hours, at the discretion of the principal or site manager. Sufficient notice (i.e. at least two weeks in advance) must be given to all candidates. If candidates are unable to attend, they may have a designate attend on their behalf. Written confirmation of attendance (includes e-mail) or regrets must be received from the candidates at least one week in advance of the meeting. This requirement also applies to requests made of school councils.
3.2.2 Interactions must consider accessibility needs and provide accommodations as necessary for candidates or attendees.
3.2.3 If two or more candidates can attend the meeting, then it may proceed. This will afford students the opportunity to see a debate between at least two varying points of view. If only one candidate can attend, the event must be rescheduled or cancelled.
3.2.4 Access to Board facilities and resources for an all candidates meeting, or an event held outside of the regular school day, would be subject to Board Policy 4002 Community Use of Schools and Board Policy 3008 Use of School Board Resources During Election Campaign.
3010 – Political Candidate Visits During Federal, Provincial and Municipal Elections
