Election ‘25: Town offers candidate training for first time

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ahead of the 2025 municipal election, the Town of Taber is offering formal candidate training for the first time. The goal is to help people understand what it really means to be a municipal councillor.

  Communications manager Meghan Brennan explained further, saying, “In past elections, we’ve heard from candidates – sometimes after they were elected – that they didn’t fully realize how much work the job involves. Budgets, bylaws, meetings, committee work, events, and so much more. It can be a lot if you’ve never seen how things run behind the scenes.”

  As deputy returning officers, Brennan and Brittany Gilbertson want those thinking about running to feel informed before making the decision proceed further. Brennan said the training session will walk through what the role involves, how much time it takes, and what kinds of responsibilities come with the job.

  “This time, we wanted to get ahead of it,” Gilbertson said. “By offering this session before nomination day (Sept. 22), we’re giving people a chance to find out what the job actually looks like before they commit to running. It’s about making informed choices, feeling prepared, and giving our future council members the tools to succeed from day one, so they can better serve the community.”

  Brennan said the training reflects how expectations are changing. “People want more transparency and accountability from local government–and that starts with making sure candidates understand what they’re signing up for. When candidates are well-informed, voters have stronger choices, and our community ends up with better leaders. It’s a win-win all around.”

  While the session is entirely voluntary, Brennan and Gilbertson “very strongly encourage” candidates to attend it. Anyone considering running for mayor or councillor is welcome. However, it can be approached as an educational opportunity, and attendees are not obligated to run for office.

  “Even if you’re still on the fence, you’re invited. And if you’re just curious about how council works, you’re more than welcome to come and learn. If you think you know what being a councillor entails, this session will likely still provide information that surprises you!” Brennan said.

  Attendees can expect a clear overview of roles and responsibilities; real talk about time, effort and influence; interactive dialogue and storytelling; and tools for decision-making and sustainable leadership.

  According to Brennan, candidate training is becoming more and more common across the province. Many municipalities now offer similar training sessions to help potential candidates understand the job before diving in.

  “It’s a good way to promote transparency, build confidence, and help new leaders start strong. We’re following that same path-because if our future leaders are better prepared, the whole community benefits,” Gilbertson said.

  The candidate training is scheduled for Mon. June 16 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Parkside Manor. Registration information is available at tabercandidatetraining.eventbrite.com. Pre-registration by June 5 is requested so the hosts can ensure enough catering for supper.

  For those looking for more information on the election, the candidates package, and more resources, those are always available at http://www.taber.ca/election