Calgary’s next election campaign period has officially begun — even though the 2007 campaign just ended, and the next election day is three years away.

Unlike other Canadian cities that have set campaign period dates, Calgary’s campaign period is “the period of time between consecutive general elections,” according to the campaign finance bylaw. This means the mayor and aldermen can accept campaign contributions at any time over the next three years.

“They’re making major decisions on development approvals, on subdivision approvals, on union contracts,” says Danielle Smith, Alberta director of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. “The fact they can take money from corporations and unions and it doesn’t get disclosed until after the next election… casts a pall over the decision-making process at city hall.”