1.13 Library Policy on Political Elections

This policy is to establish the principles as to how Thunder Bay Public Library supports democracy and the democratic process and how it engages with candidates for public office as well as political parties during official election times.

This policy applies to the library board, employees, and volunteers:

a. in dealing with candidates and political parties; and
b. the use of library resources during campaign periods for municipal elections.

It is the responsibility of the CEO or designate to ensure that the library complies with legislation related to elections at all levels - municipal, provincial, and federal.

Thunder bay Public Library operates in a non-partisan manner and supports the democratic process, fundamental freedoms, and informed discussion on political issues. This policy applies to municipal, provincial, and federal election campaign periods.

Section 1: Use of Library Resources and Property

It is the policy of the library to ensure that no candidate, registered third-party advertiser, or political party is provided with an unfair advantage in the use of library resources during a declared election period.

Rules for use of library resources and property are as follows:

a. All candidates and political parties have the right to equal access to publicly available resources and library services.
b. Meeting rooms may be rented in accordance with the relevant procedures.
c. Library equipment, supplies, or personnel cannot be provided to candidates for campaign purposes in a manner that is unavailable to all candidates and/or parties.
d. The library’s logo cannot be used in any campaign material.
e. All-candidates meetings may be held at the library, either as a library program or sponsored by another group, provided that all candidates are invited to attend such meetings. A candidate shall not be featured or promoted in association with any other regular library program or event during an election period.
f. In accordance with the Canada Elections Act, federal election candidates or their representatives are allowed to campaign in facilities that are available for free to the public. During municipal and provincial elections, candidates are granted the same right to campaign in the library. Such activities must be coordinated with the CEO or designate to avoid any conflict with regular or planned library operational needs.
g. The library may provide an area where candidates may make available copies of their campaign literature; promote awareness of the election; and provide general information on elections.
h. No election sign or poster specific to a candidate or political party can be posted on the grounds of the library or in the library building.

Section 2: Participation in Election Campaigns

A library employee or volunteer involved in a political campaign must be politically neutral in carrying out their library duties and must not participate in campaign activities during their working hours.

A library employee running as a candidate in a municipal election must take an unpaid leave of absence beginning the day the employee is nominated and ending on voting day.

Board members may continue their library board responsibilities while running as a candidate in an election. If they are is elected to office, they shall be deemed to have resigned from their position immediately before making the declaration of office.

Section 3: Requests for Information about the Library

The CEO or designate coordinates requests for information about the library received from candidates or political parties.

Information that is provided by the library to one candidate or political party is also provided to all other candidates and political parties upon request during an election.

Any candidate or political party may request a meeting with the CEO or designate or make a tour of the library.