Criminal record checks to be required for Calgary municipal election candidates

Calgary city council has passed a motion that a criminal record check be required for anyone wanting to run in a civic election. 

The motion was passed Tuesday and councillors say the move would not preclude anyone from running, instead aiming for more transparency and giving voters better information about candidates.

Starting in the next municipal election, all candidates would be required to submit a criminal record check as part of their nomination.

“We’ve had questions in the past about people’s conduct and people want to have that information,” says Coun. Jasmine Mian. “At the end of the day, people can still vote for that candidate. At least that candidate can then actually own that story.”

“It’s not necessarily disqualifying to have a criminal record,” added Mian, referencing the recent win of Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election and his criminal convictions.

“People know that and they know what they’re voting for.”

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City staff says candidates could still get disqualified if they have been convicted under the Local Authorities Elections Act, or provincial and federal elections legislation within the past 10 years.

A candidate could also be disqualified if they get convicted of a crime punishable by five or more years between nomination day and election day. Charges on someone’s record alone would not be grounds for disqualification.

“Knowing if a candidate has unresolved criminal charges or concerning police interactions is critical,” says Coun. Sonya Sharp.

Coun. Courtney Walcott says he is concerned the change could limit diversity on council.

“I think about the ways the justice system is overrepresented by marginalized populations,” says Walcott. “A lot of those charges stem from poverty.”

Walcott made reference to past criminal convictions for cannabis as something that could hinder a candidate’s chances moving forward.

“There are significant numbers of Canadians on something that is completely legal today, prevents them from seeking opportunities in all different types of places,” he says. “It’s something that needs to be considered.”

Other large municipalities in Alberta like Edmonton, Wood Buffalo, Medicine Hat and Red Deer do not require criminal record checks for candidates.