5002 – Leave of Absence – Staff Seeking or Holding Elected Office

Legal References
Canada Elections Act
Election Act, R.S.O, 1990
Municipal Elections Act
Related References
2026 Candidates’ Guide for Ontario Municipal and School Board Elections
Request for Leave of Absence HR-01-500
Effective Date
February 23, 1998
Revisions
March 7, 2016, June 12, 2017, April 13, 2026
Reviewed
November 19, 2018, January 24, 2022

1. Purpose

1.1 The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) recognizes that it is the right of staff to fulfill their roles as citizens of the community, including running for public office and encourages staff to participate in public service.

2. Application

2.1 It is the policy of the WRDSB that a staff member who is a candidate in a Federal or Provincial Election will take leave-of-absence without pay from the time the candidate’s nomination is filed and ending on voting day. If elected to office, they shall be considered as being on leave of absence without pay from the date of their election to the date of the next Federal or Provincial election so long as they remain in office. 

2.2 A leave of absence will be considered, at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, for any staff member who seeks election as or is elected to the office of municipal councilor or municipal mayor in compliance with all relevant legislation.

2.3 A leave of absence will be considered, at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, for any staff member who seeks election as school board trustee in compliance with all relevant legislation.

2.3.1 If elected, the staff member must resign prior to the elected start date.

5002 – Leave of Absence – Staff Seeking or Holding Elected Office