administration

As Canada's oldest incorporated city and New Brunswick's largest municipality, the City of Saint John has been providing municipal services to local citizens for more than two centuries. Operating under a "City Manager form of government", the Corporation offers a wide range of services, as determined and directed by an elected Mayor and Council.

The Mayor and Council have the benefit of receiving independent professional advice from the City Manager on policy issues, from the City Solicitor on legal issues, and from the Commissioner of Finance on financial issues.  This separate reporting relationship of each of these three positions, along with that of the Common Clerk, is rather unique in a Canadian setting. However, it does ensure that elected officials receive the best advice possible.
 

City Manager

Reporting directly to the Common Council, the City Manager oversees the various City departments and divisions as they serve the needs of the citizens of the City of Saint John. Within this area are the Deputy City Manager, and Deputy City Manager, Programs and Priorities.  The Deputy City Manager is responsible for policy and operational matters. The Deputy City Manager-Programs and Priorities, a new position in 2006, is tasked with leading a multi-year transformation program focused on sustainable growth for the community and organizational efficiency and effectiveness of municipal service delivery.

City Solicitor's Office

The City Solicitor's Office manages the legal affairs of the corporation of the City of Saint John, providing legal advice to Common Council and to the administration, in addition to representing the City in legal proceedings.  It comprises the City Solicitor and three other lawyers together with one legal assistant.

Common Clerk's Office

The Common Clerk is the official link between the Council and the public and is required for the activation and functioning of Council meetings. She is responsible for creating, maintaining and protecting the official and permanent records of The City of Saint John. The Clerk is also the official signing officer for the city.

The Clerk’s office is comprised of:
  • the Administrative Assistant to the Mayor’s office,
  • the Administrative Clerk,
  • two Administrative Assistants,
  • the Corporate Records Manager,
  • the Assistant Clerk, and
  • the Common Clerk.
Some responsibilities of the Clerk’s Office:
  • Provides procedural advice to the Mayor and Council;
  • Provides administrative support to the Mayor and Council, the Pension Board, Saint John Energy and other committees as assigned;
  • Responds to public and employee enquiries regarding historical records;
  • Creates the weekly council agenda;
  • Prepares and distribute the weekly council packet;
  • Prepares the minutes of the council meetings and committee meetings as assigned;
  • Maintains and archives all official records, contracts and deeds;
  • Maintains the official minutes and By-laws of the City.