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, the Common Clerk on procedural matters and from the Commissioner of Finance on financial issues.  This separate reporting relationship of each of these positions is rather unique in a Canadian setting. However, it does ensure that elected officials receive the best advice possible.

City Manager

The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer of the City and has responsibility for overseeing the various City departments and divisions as they serve the needs of the citizens of the City of Saint John.

City Solicitor

The City Solicitor 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. 

Common Clerk

The Common Clerk is the official link between the Council and the public. The Clerk 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.

Commissioner of Finance

The Commissioner of Finance is the chief financial and accounting officer of the City, in addition to the Treasurer of the City. The Commissioner of Finance is responsible for managing the City's strategic financial planning and projections, including economic forecasts and financial results, and for guiding Council in major financial decisions.