Data provided by municipalities since the close of nominations is showing an overall increase of 2.8 per cent in nominations for the municipal elections this year compared to the previous election in 2017.
The data is based on information gathered by municipalities and provided to the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs as of September 23. The provision of gender identity and age was voluntary for those putting their names forward for nomination.
Of the total number of nominations across the province, approximately 39 per cent identified as female. This is up from 33 per cent in 2017. The majority of nominations were in the age range of 46 to 54 at a total of 408, with 142 nominations between the ages of 18 and 35.
Through the Make Your Mark campaign, ‘Your Voice, Your Community, Your Future’, in partnership with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, increased participation, diversity and inclusion were encouraged in the 2021 municipal elections.
The municipal elections will take place in Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow, September 28.
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“An increase in participation in the municipal elections this year, though marginal, is encouraging. I am particularly pleased to see an increase in the number of women who put their name forward. We will continue to work to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to run in future years. I ask all citizens across our province to have your say and vote in your municipal election tomorrow, September 28.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs
“We are thrilled by the increase in participation of women across the province. We celebrate the people who have come forward to put their name on the ballot. Reflecting the diversity of our population in our municipal governments leads to perspectives and decision making that better represents our communities. We look forward to continuing the work to increase diverse and representative voices of all ages in municipal government”
Amy Coady-Davis
President, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
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Media contacts
Lynn Robinson
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-5449, 691-9446
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca
Deatra Walsh
Director, Advocacy and Communications, MNL
709-986-2771
dwalsh@municipalnl.ca