Who Paid for This? A Closer Look at the April 21st Candidate Session

Written By Gaganpreet Darar

On April 23, 2026, I submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Town of Oakville and am now awaiting their decision and full disclosure of the requested records.

On April 21, 2026, municipalities across Halton Region hosted a session titled “Thinking About Running for Council?”—an initiative meant to inform and encourage residents to participate in local democracy.

Let me be clear:
Encouraging civic participation is a good thing.

But as someone running to represent residents in Oakville, I believe it’s equally important to ask:

How was this session funded—and was it done responsibly?

The Questions That Matter

Whenever public money is used, transparency is not optional—it’s essential.

That’s why I have formally requested details on:

  • Whether external consulting companies were hired to run or support the session

  • How much was paid to those consultants, if any

  • What portion of the cost was covered by the Town of Oakville

  • Whether a fair and open procurement process was followed

  • How many residents actually attended

These are not political questions—they are accountability questions.

Internal Capacity vs. External Spending

Municipalities already employ experienced professionals—especially within Clerk’s Offices—whose roles include election administration, public engagement, and governance processes.

So it’s reasonable to ask:

If internal expertise already exists, why spend additional taxpayer dollars on outside consultants?

Consultants should be brought in only when there is a clear gap—not as a routine approach.

Value for Money

Residents are facing increasing financial pressure, and property taxes continue to rise. In that context, every expense—big or small—deserves scrutiny.

Even a single session matters, because it reflects a broader pattern:

  • Are we prioritizing efficiency?

  • Are we avoiding unnecessary duplication?

  • Are we respecting the taxpayer?

This Is About Trust

This is not about opposing the session itself. It’s about ensuring that:

  • Spending decisions are justified

  • Processes are transparent

  • Residents are informed

Because when transparency is missing, trust erodes.

My Commitment

If elected, I will:

  • Advocate for full transparency on municipal spending

  • Ensure consulting contracts are used only when truly necessary

  • Push for stronger oversight in procurement decisions

  • Always ask: Is this the best use of your money?

Final Thought

Democracy isn’t just about running for office—it’s about how government operates every day.

And that includes how events like this are funded.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not the municipality’s money—it’s yours.

Gaganpreet Darar