Statement from Town Clerk on vacated Ward 2 Councillor seat

“The deadline for filing candidate financial statements for the October 2014 municipal elections closed on March 27, 2015 at 2 p.m. The financial statement submitted by Renrick Ashby, the elected Councillor for Ward 2, was incomplete and not in compliance with the financial filing requirements under the Municipal Elections Act. As a result, Mr. Ashby forfeited his Councillor Ward 2 seat and the office is deemed vacant. Ajax Council is required to declare the seat vacant at its next meeting which is March 30. Under the Municipal Act, Council has 60 days from the date that a seat was declared vacant to either appoint a person to fill the vacancy, or pass a by-law authorizing a by-election to fill the vacancy. A report for filling the vacant office will be presented to Council on April 13.” 
- Martin de Rond, Director of Legislative Services and Information Services / Clerk

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Summary of Mr. Ashby’s noncompliance with the Municipal Elections Act

All candidates are required under the Municipal Elections Act to file a financial statement, and those whose expenses or contributions exceed $10,000 must also file an auditor’s report. As Mr. Ashby’s campaign contributions and expenses exceeded $10,000, both documents were required to be filed by the deadline. Mr. Ashby’s submission did not include the required auditor’s report.

Due to the noncompliance, Mr. Ashby, as an elected Councillor:

• forfeits the office to which he was elected,
• his seat is deemed vacant, and
• he is not eligible to be elected or appointed to any municipal office until the next regular election has taken place.

Mr. Ashby has the right to apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for relief from the forfeiture of his office.