Municipal elections shape the priorities and policy agendas of the governments that are closest to the daily lives of Canadians. Yet local lections often take place with limited publicly accessible analysis of the broader context in which they occur and the key challenges facing local governments.
The IMFG Municipal Pre-election Series brings together local academics and practitioners to provide concise profiles of major Canadian cities in the lead-up to their municipal elections. Produced on an ongoing basis as municipal elections approach across the country, the series aims to offer timely analysis of the cities heading to the polls. Each essay offers an overview of the city’s demographic, economic, and fiscal context, examines the local political landscape, and highlights the key issues likely to shape the election campaign and the policy debates that will follow. By situating municipal elections within their broader local environment, the series aims to support more informed discussion about the challenges facing Canada’s cities and the choices confronting local leaders and residents.