The County is divided into seven electoral districts or wards, each represented by a councillor elected by citizens within their boundaries and serve a four-year term. Councillors elect the Reeve from amongst themselves during their annual organizational meeting.
The Council performs their duties under the governance of the Municipal Government Act.
In the Municipal Government Act those duties are outlined as follows:
To consider the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole and to bring to council’s attention anything that would promote the welfare or interests of the county;
- To participate generally in developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the county;
To participate in council meetings, committee meetings and any other meetings that they are requested to attend on behalf of Council;
To obtain information about the operation or administration of the county from the Chief Administrative Officer or his/her designate;
To keep in confidence matters discussed in private at a council or council committee meeting until discussed at a meeting held in public;
To perform any other duties imposed by legislation or required by Council.
Councillors represent the interests of the constituents of their respective wards in addition to representing the interests of the County of Northern Lights as a whole. Council accomplishes this through their attendance at regularly scheduled Council meetings, maintaining effective communications within their wards and representing the County at other relevant forums and events.