NS launches campaign schools to encourage more people to run in local elections

Ahead of municipal elections this fall, Nova Scotia is opening three campaign schools to encourage more people to run for political office.

According to John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs, the meetings are open to everyone, but the province hopes to encourage people from underrepresented groups, such as women and people of diverse backgrounds, to participate.

The training courses will take place on the following Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

• Sydney, 15 June, Eltuek Arts Centre.

• Truro, June 22, Rath Eastlink Community Centre (people from across the province can also participate online).

• Shelburne, July 13, Shelburne Community Center.

Participants can have the costs for childcare reimbursed after the training.

HRM Councilmember Lisa Blackburn says she is a proud graduate of a former campaign school.

Before running for office for the first time in 2016, Blackburn attended a Nova Scotia Status of Women school, which she said gave her extra confidence before launching her campaign.

“I think this is an incredible opportunity for people to learn exactly what it means to run a campaign,” she said Thursday.

Councillor Lisa Blackburn says the campaign school prepared her for her candidacy. (CBC)

Blackburn said it's not always easy to know where to start when planning to run for office, especially if you have no experience.

Conducting these campaign schools in smaller communities will also help those people who may not traditionally have considered running for political office.

“You don't have to have a lot of experience to run for office,” Blackburn said. “You can bring your experience as a community leader to the council. You can bring your experience as a business leader to the council.”

Further information on the action schools can be found here.

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