Public servants allowed to run in municipal elections

Summary#

The Public Service Commission has granted permission under the Public Service Employment Act for four federal employees to seek municipal office. The permissions allow them to be candidates in municipal elections on October 2, 2025 and November 2, 2025.

What it does#

• Christine Doré — Employment and Social Development Canada: allowed to seek nomination and be a candidate for councillor, Chicoutimi Borough – district 12, City of Saguenay, Quebec. Election date: November 2, 2025. Permission dated August 19, 2025.
• Jonathan Fortier — Shared Services Canada: allowed to seek nomination and be a candidate for councillor, District Pointe‑Gatineau, City of Gatineau, Quebec. Election date: November 2, 2025. Permission dated August 19, 2025.
• Sheldon Handcock — National Defence: allowed to seek nomination and be a candidate for a councillor position, Town of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. Election date: October 2, 2025. Permission dated August 14, 2025.
• Eric Harrington — Environment and Climate Change Canada: allowed to seek nomination and be a candidate for Mayor, Municipality of Bryson, Quebec. Election date: November 2, 2025. Permission dated August 19, 2025.

Who's affected#

• The four named federal employees and their respective departments.
• Voters and candidates in the municipalities listed: Saguenay, Gatineau, Gander, and Bryson.
• More broadly, other federal public servants considering municipal candidacy may notice this as an example of permissions the Public Service Commission can grant.

Why it matters#

• These notices confirm that the federal workplace watchdog has approved these employees to run in local elections.
• Local voters may see candidates who are current federal employees.
• It shows how federal rules about political activity are handled when public servants want to stand in municipal elections.