Waterloo region candidates list sparse with registration deadline looming
The deadline for candidate registration is one week away, and still, several ridings in Waterloo region have wards with no candidates named.
Others would see candidates running unopposed.
As of Aug. 12, there are 15 seats where a candidate is set to run unopposed.
Three of those are for mayoral seats.
Candidate registration for the upcoming municipal election opened back on May 2nd and is set to close August 19.
"To be honest, I think it's a really difficult and thankless task in some ways to serve as a local councillor right now,” said Laura Pin, a political science assistant professor at Laurier University.
Outgoing Waterloo mayor Dave Jaworsky says it’s a rewarding career.
“You’re working to make your neighbourhood better, you’re working to make your town better,” he said.
He said he believes the lack of candidates could be a reflection of how the pandemic changed workflow perspectives.
“They found a new work-life balance, and I think people are just enjoying their lives more and I think they really want to do that. So in a sense, it’s a bit of poor timing for the election to be happening now because people are just getting out there in the sun and enjoying their lives,” said Jaworsky.
Former Regional councillor, Jane Mitchell agrees, adding that the pandemic has changed other perspectives too.
She said hostility against politicians right now is a factor some may be considering. She's heard from current local politicians who say they've received death threats.
“Which we didn't get years ago. I mean, yeah people would phone you up and maybe swear or do stuff, but nothing like this,” said Mitchell.
The job comes with a lot of stress, and the pay for the job hasn’t kept up.
Pin said the pay is usually somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000 dollars a year, so many councillors also have to work additional jobs.
Pin said a lack of names could be a sign the public is happy with the sole name already set for the ballot.
“Some people might be watching just to see whose going to run in a race before they throw their hat in the ring, said Pin. “So it’s not over yet.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'We must meet this moment': Trudeau delivers speech to Liberal caucus
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on his Liberal caucus to meet the moment as Canadians deal with the high cost of living, a struggling health care system and the effects of climate change.

What is going on with Bill C-11, the government's online streaming legislation?
The Liberals have spent years trying to pass online streaming legislation and now the current iteration, known as Bill C-11, is closer than ever to passing. With a potential parliamentary showdown ahead, here's what you need to know about how the contentious Broadcasting Act bill got to this stage.
Zellers rolling out food trucks for Canadians 'craving a taste of nostalgia'
Though you won't be able to sit on the old, cracked pleather benches and take in the thick smell of gravy and fries, while the gentle sound of clanging dishes provides the soundtrack for your lunch, Zellers plans to roll out food trucks for those 'craving a taste of nostalgia.'
Pamela Anderson defends Tim Allen after flashing allegation
Pamela Anderson is addressing discussion about a story regarding her 'Home Improvement' co-star Tim Allen that is part of her new memoir, 'Love Pamela.'
What should Canada be doing about climate change? 25 recommendations
The national Net-Zero Advisory Body released 25 recommendations Friday for how Canada can adjust its climate plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 — a goal that the country is not on track to reach right now, according to the report.
Canadian government posts $3.6 billion deficit between April and November
The federal government posted a budgetary deficit of $3.6 billion in the first eight months of the fiscal year.
Bear on Mars? NASA satellite snaps a strange formation
What looks like a giant teddy bear’s face peering into space from the surface of Mars is actually a satellite image of some craters and a circular fracture, scientists say.
Some U.S. auto insurers are refusing to cover some Hyundai and Kia models
Progressive and State Farm, two of America's largest auto insurers, are refusing to write policies in certain cities for some older Hyundai and Kia models that have been deemed too easy to steal, according to one of the insurance companies and media reports.
Pierre Poilievre tells Tory caucus cities are turning into 'crime zones'
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre doubled down on his belief that "everything feels broken" Friday, as he laced into Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for suggesting otherwise.