Leadership Posts

AMCTO conference celebrates resiliency, advocacy, networking

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After a freestyle motocross accident left Kevin Rempel an incomplete paraplegic at the age of 23, he was told by doctors he would likely never ...

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AMO finds pros and cons in 2025 Ontario budget

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The Ford government’s recently released 2025 budget – A Plan to Protect Ontario – included several municipal investment initiatives aimed at supporting infrastructure, housing, and ...

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As FCM prepares for its national event, it also looks to the future

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Rebecca Bligh was appointed as president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) back in October 2024. By the end of this week’s FCM conference ...

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Following Carney’s win, FCM looks to strengthen partnerships

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During the recent federal election campaign, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) worked to ensure all political parties saw local governments as credible partners in ...

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St. John’s deputy mayor joins call for federal climate action

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Sheilagh O’Leary is a leading voice for environmental advocacy in Newfoundland and Labrador. O’Leary, the deputy mayor of St. John’s, has championed initiatives to combat ...

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Mayor Kelli Hawtin: Support for North Battleford’s new direction

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Kelli Hawtin was never intimidated by the notion of serving as the mayor of North Battleford, Sask. After all, she served three consecutive terms as ...

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Equity lens needed for tariff talks, says Waterloo Region councillor

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Ever since U.S. President Donald Trump started his global tariff war, Prime Minister Mark Carney has pushed back with a “Canada Strong” approach that has ...

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Mayor Cynthia Block: Breaking barriers, building trust in Saskatoon

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The role of mayor can seem daunting to those unfamiliar with the daily functions of a municipality. Mind you, this isn’t the case for Saskatoon ...

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Burlington mayor sees positives in tariff fight, but a long road ahead

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For months, municipal officials have visited the U.S. to discuss the impact – on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border – of President Trump’s proposed ...

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Canadian municipalities continue leading the tariff fight

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Local government leaders from across the country have heeded the call and made themselves part of the Canadian response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing ...

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FCM leads the charge for sustainable communities

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The creation of more sustainable communities is firmly on the minds of municipal leaders. First, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) once again brought together ...

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Brampton helping lead charge in Team Canada tariff battle

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Municipal officials from across Canada have been stepping up for months in light of the tariff threats of U.S. President Donald Trump. Mayors and council ...

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FCM, local governments continue Trump tariff fight

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U.S. President Donald Trump imposed his long-threatened 25 per cent tariff on Canadians goods on March 4. Trump’s order, looming since his January inauguration, has ...

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Brampton councillor releases music video for International Women’s Day

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Multi-time Grammy Award winner Pink recorded the song “All I Know So Far” in 2021 as an advice-filled love letter to her daughter. In the ...

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Mayor Ken Johnston: Reflections on pragmatism, peace, gratitude

Back on Jan. 22, Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston gathered a group of people together to announce he wouldn’t be standing for re-election this fall. ...

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Trail, B.C., initiative helps support sexual assault survivors

The City of Trail in B.C.’s western Kootenays region is setting a new precedent in supporting sexual assault survivors by introducing a self-collection sexual assault ...

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Several western municipalities sign Indigenous partnerships

Leaders with the Llenllenéy’ten (High Bar First Nation – HBFN) and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) came together on Jan. 10 for a ceremony to ...

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Alberta Municipalities' personal approach to risk management

Risk management is crucial for all municipalities, but smaller communities often lack the staff or funding to implement it effectively. In Alberta, the organization that ...

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Vancouver’s Broadway Plan reflects transit-oriented development trend

Vancouver council recently approved updates to the city’s Broadway Plan that will see major construction developments along one of the city’s key roads. The council ...

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Ontario at a tipping point with 80,000 homeless: AMO study

Robin Jones has seen the impact of homelessness firsthand, both in her policing career and now as mayor of the Village of Westport and president ...

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Manitoba city launches on-demand transit pilot

The City of Winkler, Man., recently launched a new on-demand transit pilot that officials hope will improve the way residents are able to get around ...

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GTA councillors launch online campaign to fight Trump tariff threat

Canadian municipalities drive the national economy, much the same way their American counterparts do. And when something impacts communities in Canada, it will impact their ...

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NSFM president no stranger to local government pressures

Pam Mood is no stranger to a busy schedule. Mood, first elected to Yarmouth, N.S., town council in 2012, was re-elected last October for her ...

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Transparency Showcase 2.0 continues to champion open data

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario launched the inaugural Transparency Challenge in 2023. The goal of the showcase was to share innovative public approaches ...

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Regional Municipality of York: Municipal World’s Innovation Award 2024

Local Government Awards This year, the Regional Municipality of York won Municipal World’s Innovation Award for its automated transit facility inspection program. In May 2023, ...

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Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek: Municipal World’s Mayor of the Year

Local Government Awards Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek was chosen by Municipal World’s editorial team for her cool leadership during Calgary’s water emergency which began in ...

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Pickering CAO Marisa Carpino: Municipal World's CAO of the Year

Local Government Awards Marisa Carpino began her professional career at the City of Pickering, Ont., some 29 years ago as a fitness supervisor. Today, she ...

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Colleen James: Honesty key for women in the municipal space

2024 Women of Influence in Local Government Award Honourable Mention Colleen James is rather accustomed to the municipal space. After all, she has more than ...

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UBCM announces latest Community Excellence Awards winners

The cities of Kelowna and Victoria and the District of Central Saanich are some the British Columbia municipalities recognized as part of the year’s Community ...

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Diane Ballantyne: Championing a passion for local government

2024 Women of Influence in Local Government Award Honourable Mention Diane Ballantyne has been a dedicated public servant and educator for nearly three decades. But ...

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Saskatchewan municipal election: Fresh faces, and low turnout

Municipalities across Saskatchewan held elections last week to determine who will serve on local councils and school boards for the next four years. The elections ...

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FCM’s new president focuses on community connection

Rebecca Bligh is no stranger to the pressures of local government. For one, Bligh was elected to Vancouver city council in 2018. Now, as the ...

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Beaconsfield awarded for climate and seniors programs

In late October, the City of Beaconsfield, Que., was recognized for its Connecting Beaconsfield project. Carried out in collaboration with ICLEI Canada, Connecting Beaconsfield aims ...

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Victoria adopts bylaw to reduce single-use items

The City of Victoria has adopted a new bylaw that it says will significantly reduce the distribution of single-use items and make reusable plates, cups, ...

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Surrey launches homelessness prevention and response plan

Surrey, Metro Vancouver’s second biggest city, recently unveiled it’s plan to tackle homelessness in the city. The Pathway to Home: Surrey Homelessness Prevention and Response ...

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New York could save millions shifting local elections

An evaluation from New York City’s Independent Budget Office (IBO) has found that the city could save more than $40 million (USD) every other year ...

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Delegates gather for UBCM’s 2024 convention

The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) is holding its annual convention this week in Vancouver. Around 2,000 delegates from municipal governments across the province are ...

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UBCM releases annual report ahead of 2024 convention  

The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) has released it’s 2024 annual report highlighting the association’s work over the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The report comes a ...

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Quebec announces new housing strategy, but critics skeptical

Quebec’s minister of housing, France-Élaine Duranceau, has said the provincial government is dialing up efforts to increase housing stock. In a recent statement announcing a ...

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After two decades of rural focus, Ray Orb looks to slow down

After 20 years advocating for rural municipalities in Saskatchewan, Ray Orb is stepping down to let someone new take over. Back on Aug. 13, Orb, ...

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AMO evolves into Ontario’s political Super Bowl

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) celebrated its 125th anniversary at its annual conference in Ottawa this month. Over the course of those 125 years, ...

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Local leaders, provincial voices, drive AMO 2024 conversation

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 2024 Annual General Meeting and Conference convened today for the final day of its 2024 conference. The conference, ...

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Surrey to explore creation of city charter

The mayor of Metro Vancouver’s second biggest city has said she wants it to have a charter. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke recently tabled a motion ...

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AMO conference serves to bring municipal leaders together

More than 2,500 participants are expected to attend next week’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, Aug. 18-21, in Ottawa. The conference, which will ...

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FCM president focuses on communication in community building

Geoff Stewart has always had a passion for serving his community. He has also proven eager in taking on the types of leadership roles that ...

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Mayor Laura Cabott: Loving the job, but ready for new opportunities

Laura Cabott loves almost everything about being mayor of the City of Whitehorse. But after some six months of deep thought and introspection, she decided ...

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Municipal World honours 2024 Women of Influence in Local Government

Sheilagh O’Leary, deputy mayor of the City of St. John's, Nfld., has been named as the 2024 honouree of Municipal World’s Women of Influence in ...

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Mayor Sandra Masters: Running to address unfinished business

For several years now there has been a clear trend of incumbent mayors from across the country choosing not to run for re-election. This has ...

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Conference life helps overcome professional obstacles

Municipal employees face many obstacles that make it difficult for them to maintain essential services. But, like their elected counterparts, staff also face a constant ...

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Mayor Amanda McDougall-Merrill: Putting family ahead of city hall

Amanda McDougall-Merrill was the first woman elected as the mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) in 2020. That distinction is one she celebrates ...

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Calgary latest to support voting rights for non-citizens

Calgary council recently endorsed one councillor’s push to allow permanent residents to vote in municipal elections. Earlier in April, Ward 8 Coun. Courtney Walcott submitted ...

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Mayor Charlie Clark: Making time for family, fresh perspectives

Late last year, Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark found himself talking to various people about his political future. At that point, he knew he wasn’t interested ...

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Alberta proposes provincial approval of municipal-federal deals

The Alberta government has tabled a new bill in the legislature that would stop the province’s municipal authorities from making deals with the federal government ...

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N.B. municipalities adjust to reform, changing times

Municipalities across New Brunswick faced the same challenges as their counterparts across the country in 2023. But they also had to address something unique to ...

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Mayor Mike Savage: Right time for new ideas, new people

When Mike Savage thought about running for mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality, he never imagined being in office for 12 years. But one thing ...

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Alberta premier pushing ahead with plan for municipal parties

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently said her government plans to introduce legislation allowing political parties at the municipal level in larger cities. In an interview ...

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Transparency Challenge returns to help push healthy democracy

In 2023, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario launched the inaugural Transparency Challenge. The goal of the challenge was to share with the public ...

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Canada’s cities aren’t accessible to people with disabilities

A group of disability advocates recently held a rally in downtown Vancouver calling for a more accessible city. The March 16 rally in front of ...

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Brampton councillors call for end to harassment, intimidation of women

“It’s too hard! It’s too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only ...

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Canadian and U.S. cities call for ceasefire in Gaza

A growing number of city councils in Canada and the United States are calling for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza as the civilian ...

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FCM’s fiscal relief could build homes, reduce political stress

He may have been half-joking when he said it, but Scott Pearce was also making a point when he told a group of journalists that ...

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N.L. municipalities working for better fiscal stability

Municipalities across Newfoundland and Labrador faced the same challenges as their counterparts across the country in 2023. But they also had to deal with obstacles ...

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Austrian World Mayor Prize honouree celebrates citizens, local government

In the hours after the 2021 municipal elections in Graz, Austria, Elke Kahr’s mind was reeling. After all, the newly elected mayor was the first ...

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Canada’s rental vacancy rate reaches record low

The number of vacant rental units in Canada has reached a 36-year low amid demand that far outstrips supply. That’s according to the Canada Mortgage ...

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SUMA boss expects busy 2024 in Saskatchewan

Municipalities in Saskatchewan, much like everywhere, faced their share of challenges in 2023. But the bigger concern for the organization representing many of those communities ...

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ROMA 2024 offered up enthusiasm, plenty of conversations

Rural communities in Ontario are struggling to cope with the impacts of an underfunded health system. This isn’t hyperbole or political spin, but backed up ...

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Black History Month 2024 shines light on excellence

February is Black History Month and this year’s theme is all about celebrating Black excellence. On Jan. 16, Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and ...

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U.K. group recognizes Dover mayor’s community service

When Tony Keats learned he had made the shortlist for the World Mayor Prize, he was quick to say how much of an honour it ...

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Unique 2023 sets up Manitoba municipalities for 2024 success

Municipalities across the country faced significant challenges in 2023. Pandemic recovery, affordability, public safety, and of course housing were all on the agenda of councils ...

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FCM driven by impactful 2023, but busy times ahead

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice for local governments. Given the number of challenges facing Canadian municipalities, it isn't surprising FCM ...

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AMO looks at challenging 2023, ahead to promising 2024

Ontario municipalities faced many obstacles in 2023. The Greenbelt scandal dominated the headlines and led to changes that will directly impact local governments across the ...

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Critics say mayor’s changes to Vancouver’s parks board would erode democracy

On Dec. 13, Vancouver city councillors approved Mayor Ken Sim’s motion asking the B.C. government to amend the city’s charter. The mayor and his ABC ...

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Retiring Yellowknife city manager eager for new opportunities

Sheila Bassi-Kellett has been involved in local government – in one capacity or another – for the past 25 years. But while she has loved ...

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Fighting for gender, cultural diversity in local government

Velma Morgan: Women of Influence Honourable Mention Velma Morgan is a teacher and advocate for gender and cultural diversity in politics. She is the chair ...

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Forging a path for next generation of local government women

Jyoti Gondek: Women of Influence Honourable Mention Jyoti Gondek made history in 2021 when she was sworn in as Calgary’s 37th mayor. She also became ...

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Dover mayor reaches finals of World Mayor contest

When Tony Keats was told by his town manager in Dover, Nfld., that she was nominating him for the World Mayor Prize, he thanked her ...

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Retiring city manager hopeful for London's future

Lynne Livingstone has some 34 years of experience in public service, including the past 16 at the City of London. But her professional career reached ...

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Mayor Marianne Alto: Bringing greater civility to Victoria city hall

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto is a facilitator by trade, a skill that certainly comes into play within the city council chamber. Alto was first elected ...

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AMO president celebrates community possibilities during Local Government Week

Local Government Week celebrates the many ways municipalities contribute to making our high quality of life possible says Colin Best, President of the Association of ...

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Mayor Alex Nuttall: Passion for the fun, opportunity of local government

There would be few people who could argue that the job of mayor is not a difficult one. Those challenges are heightened when viewed through ...

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Local government positions for women becoming more equitable

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) set a goal of having women represent 30 per cent of elected representatives by 2026 in 2010. That goal ...

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York Region CAO reflects on public service, new opportunities

Sometimes you just know when the time is right for a change. For Bruce Macgregor, that time was at the end of June when he ...

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Dover mayor shortlists for the World Mayor Prize

Tony Keats loves being mayor of Dover, Nfld. He has served the residents of Dover – which has a population of less than 700 people ...

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Municipal World honours 2023 Women of Influence

Rowena Santos, a City of Brampton councillor representing Wards 1 and 5, has been named as the 2023 honouree of Municipal World’s Women of Influence ...

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Provincial leaders make their pitches at AMO, but “real magic” in the hallways

Provincial political leaders descended on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in London, Ont., to make their various pitches to delegates, but London ...

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FCM president looks to the bright side of politics

Scott Pearce has served as the mayor of the Municipality of the Township of Gore, Que., since 2005. In that time, he has seen many ...

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Ontario’s largest cities renew call for better funding of municipal challenges

Canada has long been seen as a haven for refugees from across the globe. Unfortunately, that safe harbour is being threatened due to a lack ...

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Mayor Dorothy McCabe: Finding balance between city hall, family, and a vibrant community

Dorothy McCabe has more than 20 years of experience working in leadership positions. In that time, she has worked with mayors, city councils, and senior ...

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Mayor Martin Ritsma: All in on being mayor, making community connections

Martin Ritsma served three consecutive terms on Stratford council, two of those as deputy mayor, before he was elected mayor in 2022. With all that ...

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Mayor Blaine Hyggen: Co-operation, time away, keys to city hall success

Blaine Hyggen was no to stranger city hall when he became Lethbridge’s mayor. He was first elected to council in 2013 and served two terms ...

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Mayor Josh Morgan: Taking on London’s challenges, opening opportunities

Mayor Josh Morgan is no stranger to the council horseshoe in London City Hall, but when he looks around the room, he is looking from ...

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Big city mayors seek new fiscal deal with Ottawa, provinces

The mayors of Canada’s largest cities are seeking a new, modernized fiscal arrangement with the federal government and their respective provincial governments. Fiscal reform topped ...

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Mayor Andrea Horwath: Connection, collaboration to shape Hamilton’s future

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath could be described as a political veteran. After all, she won her first campaign 26 years ago. But even more than ...

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Big Bike Giveaway: Repairing bikes, improving lives, helping the planet

Svitlana Stoiko-Hota remembers what it meant to get a bicycle as soon as she arrived in London, Ont. last year. “Priceless, absolutely priceless … and ...

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Mayor Jyoti Gondek: Staying positive about Calgary’s future

It seems all politicians have faced an increased level of abuse in recent years. This has been true for Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek as well. ...

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Mayor Amarjeet Sohi: Today’s wicked problems need collective solutions

Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has an extensive political resume. Before winning the mayor’s race in 2021, Sohi served as a city councillor for several terms ...

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International Women’s Day: We could have it all

After receiving the wonderful invitation to write this feature story for International Women’s Day, my thoughts bubbled up, less like a sparkly glass of celebratory ...

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Exploring the relevance of strong mayor powers

On Oct. 19, 2022, less than week before municipal elections, the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance held a panel discussing the advent of so-called ...

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New blood, new focus at ROMA

The Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) annual conference wrapped up in Toronto on Jan. 24, invigorated with new blood and a new focus. The new ...

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Greenbelt top of mind at ROMA

Ontario’s Greenbelt was not on the agenda at Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) annual conference in Toronto on Jan. 23, but it might as well ...

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Good Roads welcomes Hornepayne mayor as first Indigenous VP

Cheryl Fort keeps a busy schedule. Fort is a mom, a mayor, and a locomotive engineer. She is also, as of late 2022, the first ...

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Municipal World 2022 Awards of Distinction

Municipal World has announced the winners for its 2022 Awards of Distinction. Presented in six categories, the awards recognize the year’s top contributors in the ...

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Genelle Davidson: Leading the way to change in municipal finance

Municipal World is continuing its 2022 awards celebrating women of influence in local government. The next to be recognized is Genelle Davidson, Divisional Director of ...

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Joanne Vanderheyden: Leading a path toward a stronger community

Municipal World is continuing its 2022 awards celebrating women of influence in local government. The next to be recognized is Joanne Vanderheyden, former mayor of ...

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Wendy Landry: Passion for the hard work of local government

In recognition of International Women’s Day, Municipal World launched its 2022 awards celebrating Women of Influence in Local Government. This year’s first honouree is Wendy ...

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Mayor Lisa Helps: Ready to embrace a wide-open future

Editor's Note: This article was written before the October 15, 2022 elections in BC. Sometimes personal decisions come in the spur of the moment. Other ...

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Mayor Fred Eisenberger: Successful political career leads to new opportunities

People often get involved in local government to help build up their community. But what do they do when they meet that lofty aspiration? In ...

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AMO 2022: Recognizing local government leadership

After a two-year hiatus from in-person gatherings, some 2,000 municipal leaders from across Ontario gathered in Ottawa on August 14-17. The agenda for the 2022 ...

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Mayor Brian Bowman: Making way for new voices, with plenty of time to spare

For a lot of people, giving their employer two weeks’ notice would be more than enough. But Mayor Brian Bowman wanted to make sure his ...

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Municipal World honours 2022 Women of Influence

On International Women’s Day, Municipal World kicked off the nomination process for the 2022 edition of the Women of Influence in Municipal Government Award. The ...

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Warden Debbie Robinson: Shifting perspective of community service

Sometimes you just know the time is right to make a big change. Laurentian Valley Reeve Debbie Robinson knew it was the right time for ...

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Powell River considers name change

The BC city is considering dropping the name associated with proponent of Residential Schools Residents of Powell River are considering a proposal to change the ...

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Municipal leaders gather to drive Canada’s recovery

Municipal leaders from across Canada gathered in Regina, SK for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) 2022 Annual Conference and Trade Show. Taking place in ...

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Mayor Allan Thompson: Friends, family highlight a post-political calendar

With the 2022 municipal election nearing, it was assumed that Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson would return to the campaign trail. After all, he is one ...

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Mayor Dave Jaworsky: Saying goodbye to city hall opens up new possibilities

Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky would be the first to admit that he really likes his job. But even after two terms as mayor it was ...

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Mayor Jeff Lehman: Communication key to fostering stronger communities

Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman will be on the campaign trail this fall, but he won’t be seeking a return to city hall. Lehman announced in ...

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Mayor Dan Mathieson: After three decades, a time for new opportunities

The City of Stratford is currently updating its Official Plan. As part of the process, all the necessary public consultations will be conducted this year. ...

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Medicine Hat’s new mayor plans to bring changes

Mayor Linnsie Clark discusses her long-term vision for the town and some of the changes she’s looking to make in city hall. Being the new ...

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Mayor Jim Watson: Reflecting on a local government success story

Back on election night in 2018, Jim Watson had a reason to celebrate. As the results came in, it became clear very early that he ...

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Getting things done

Four tips to achieve action-oriented local leadership The year was 1988. There was a large invitational tournament taking place in Kitchener, Ontario with wrestlers from ...

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Local governments driving the battle against climate change

Local governments are leading the charge in the battle against climate change, but they need the tools that will help them succeed. That was the ...

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Michelle Friesen brings Indigenous voice to Whitehorse council

Michelle Friesen is a big believer in the importance of representation. It is why her October election as the first Indigenous councillor on Whitehorse city ...

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Ann Mitchell recognized with Women of Influence in Local Government Award

Municipal World is continuing its 2021 awards celebrating women of influence in local government. The next to be recognized is Ann Mitchell, CAO for Lethbridge ...

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Climate action, Reconciliation, and Indigenous justice

There may not seem to be an obvious connection between climate action and Reconciliation. But real action on Reconciliation may be the best path to ...

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Addressing anti-Black racism as a priority

Halifax Regional Municipality sets precedence with Anti-Black Racism Strategy and Action Plan To better understand why Halifax Regional Council made addressing anti-Black racism a priority, ...

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Local government leadership comes from the top

While their paths may have been different, two Canadian CAOs have learned similar career lessons Laura Johnston and Robert Hughes have rather similar careers. Both ...

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Municipalities lay out frontline solutions for federal candidates

As the federal election campaign heats up, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is calling on all parties to work with cities and communities of ...

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Arielle Kayabaga recognized with Women of Influence in Local Government Award

Municipal World is continuing its 2021 awards celebrating women of influence in local government. The next to be recognized is Arielle Kayabaga, City of London, ...

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Mayor Don Iveson: Appreciating the past, looking forward to the future

A direct connection to their constituents is one advantage municipal politicians often have over their federal and provincial counterparts. This is certainly true for Edmonton ...

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AMO forum offers insights into women’s leadership, COVID recovery

At a time when the call is to bring more women into the political realm, the reality is that too many are being pushed out. ...

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Ford promises greater pandemic support during AMO speech

Federal politicians are currently in election mode. But Ontario Premier Doug Ford was quick to follow their example with a stump-style speech of his own. ...

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Mayor Chris Spearman: Community success highlights 26 years of public service

Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman has given 26 years of his life to public service. That includes the past eight years as mayor. With that in ...

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Mayor Mike Savage: Driving national success through local government

Canadian politics is famous for its family connections. Names like Trudeau, Mulroney, and Layton have connections across the political spectrum. The name Savage could certainly ...

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Mayor Naheed Nenshi: Looking back on a local government legacy

Calgary is attempting to make a comeback from serious economic challenges. Those existing fiscal obstacles were worsened by the wholesale upheaval caused by the pandemic. ...

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How to build a winning advocacy strategy

Local governments often find themselves in need of a friend. Perhaps they are looking to push back against an ill-fitting federal program. Maybe they are ...

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Gender equality: a necessary priority for everyone

Ending gender-based violence requires men and boys to be agents of change Local governments can be instrumental in eradicating gender-based violence. It can also create ...

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Dawn Arnold recognized with Women of Influence in Local Government Award

Municipal World is continuing its 2021 awards celebrating women of influence in local government. The next to be recognized is Dawn Arnold, mayor of Moncton, ...

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Overcoming online harassment of women and elected officials

System of supports and prevention efforts for the new generation of leaders The internet and social media are powerful tools for elected officials. Most importantly, ...

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Six life motivators for municipal leaders

The types of people who work for municipal government and why they are drawn to it One of the major sources of conflict in all ...

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Trudeau vows strong municipal partnerships in addressing racism, housing crises

Collaboration key to finding solutions to broken, unfair systems Building more affordable housing and combating systemic racism are keys to Canada's future. For Prime Minister ...

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Cities ready to face Canada’s housing affordability challenge

Provincial governments need to step up to partner with local and federal governments Canada’s big city mayors are a committed to ending chronic homelessness, says ...

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Leading the small army inside local government

Five ways council can help strengthen the staff team A municipal council has a small army of internal and external experts at their disposal. They ...

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Bev Esslinger recognized with Women of Influence in Local Government Award

Municipal World is continuing its 2021 awards celebrating women of influence in local government. The next to be recognized is Bev Esslinger, City of Edmonton ...

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Technology and leadership drive change during pandemic

The State of Canadian Municipalities amid COVID-19 Phase Two Survey Results The impact on communities during the COVID-19 pandemic was originally explored in the first ...

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Navigating tough conversations

Four steps to overcoming fear and keeping the dialogue flowing Work conversations can escalate from awkward to difficult when leaders are unsure what to tell ...

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Municipal leadership in the climate change fight

Municipal leaders and public servants have a duty to think about infrastructure and planning David Miller has become a leading voice on climate change. In ...

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Dr. Nicola Mercer first 2021 Women of Influence award recipient

In recognition of International Women’s Day, Municipal World has kicked off its 2021 awards celebrating Women of Influence in Local Government. This year’s first honouree ...

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Thinking big and the importance of visionary leadership

Whether you’re a city manager or an intern just starting out, being curious and asking the right questions can help make good things happen Local ...

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Five ways to avoid fatigue with employee surveys

Receptive employees are key to the success of the employee engagement survey An employee engagement survey can create an understanding of the organization and, ultimately, ...

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Municipal World announces 2020 Awards of Distinction

Municipal World has announced the winners for its 2020 Awards of Distinction. Presented in six categories and voted on by Municipal World members, the awards ...

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Implicit bias uncovered

Implicit bias and microaggressions are terms that often trigger fear, anxiety, and defensiveness among employees as they try to make sense of what these terms ...

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Untamed: Glennon Doyle offers advice to women in local government

Glennon Doyle is a multi-time bestselling author and activist with some 1.2 million followers on Instagram. She has attracted the attention of countless admirers for ...

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Recognizing Carole Saab as a Women of Influence in Local Government

As part of its ongoing 2020 awards celebrating Women of Influence in Local Government, Municipal World is excited to recognize Carole Saab, CEO of the ...

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Understanding the CAO-Council relationship: Is this the key to a healthy, sustainable organization?

There have been some recent articles and research on the Mayor-Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) relationship and how that dynamic affects the success or failure of ...

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Strengthening local Indigenous-municipal relationships 

“We really need to break down the barriers around who Indigenous people are,” says Jennifer Dockstader, President of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres ...

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Municipal leaders applauded for COVID-19 response, but visions for Ontario’s recovery vary

The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic brought a spirit of bipartisanship to provincial politics as all parties worked together to stem the tide of ...

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Recognizing Lynn Dollin as a Women of Influence in Local Government Award

As part of its ongoing 2020 awards celebrating Women of Influence in Local Government, Municipal World is excited to recognize Lynn Dollin, Mayor of Innisfil, ...

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Relationship with municipal partners is more important than ever: Premier Ford 

Premier Doug Ford is no stranger to addressing delegates at the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) conference, but due to COVID-19, it was a gathering unlike any in the ...

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AMO celebrates municipal innovation with Peter J. Marshall Awards

The annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference and AGM looked different than usual, shifting to an online format due to the pandemic, but ...

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Recognizing Opal Mauldin-Jones

As part of its ongoing 2020 awards celebrating Women of Influence in Local Government, Municipal World is next recognizing Opal Mauldin-Jones, City Manager in Lancaster, ...

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Recognizing Sheila Bassi-Kellett

As part of its ongoing 2020 awards celebrating Women of Influence in Local Government, Municipal World is recognizing Sheila Bassi-Kellett. City Administrator in Yellowknife, Bassi-Kellett ...

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Municipalities asking Ottawa for billions in emergency funding

With communities across the country facing the possibility of austerity measures, further layoffs, and potential tax increases, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is calling ...

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“What’s in it for me?” … and other bad attitudes

In the quest for success, attitude is everything. The right attitude can help us overcome great obstacles and hard times, and the wrong attitude can ...

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Annie Bernard-Daisley recognized with Women of Influence in Local Government Award

In advance of International Women’s Day, Municipal World kicked off its 2020 awards celebrating Women of Influence in Local Government. This year’s first honouree is ...

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Are we at risk of becoming policy dinosaurs? Not on my watch.

Sink or swim. For more than a decade, a fundamental social change or “shift” capable of tossing the unprepared into the maelstrom has been growing ...

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Municipal World announces 2019 Awards of Distinction

Municipal World has announced the winners for its 2019 Awards of Distinction. Presented in six categories and voted on by Municipal World members, the awards ...

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Five keys to being a "player" politician

Anyone interested in being an effective political force should take stock of the attributes of “player” politicians. Fortunately, the vast majority of elected officials fit ...

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Good Leadership: A vaccine for the organizational flu

Little did the taxpayers know they were paying an extra five percent for the multiplex site servicing work in their small town. Why? Because bidding ...

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Constructing resilient communities at the local level

The motto of the 2019 Local Government Alumni Conference was “Caution! Change Ahead: Constructing Resilient Communities.” This was reflected in the presentations and conversations taking ...

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Local government leaders forge cooperative solutions

The theme of the 2019 Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association (OMAA) Fall Workshop was “We’re All In This Together,” which was reflected in conversations taking place ...

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Municipal finance leaders look to navigate uncertain times

As Julie Stevens, president of the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario (MFOA), stated repeatedly throughout the organization’s annual conference and AGM, uncertainty is common ...

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MIC 2019: Municipal innovators explore the evolution of ideas

The “evolution of ideas” was the theme of the Municipal Innovators Community (MIC) 2019 Conference, providing some 190 delegates with an opportunity to discuss ways ...

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Creating a successful municipal employee mentoring program

An employee mentoring program is a useful tool for municipalities to foster career growth and development and have a positive impact within your organization. Mentoring ...

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10 steps to building trust that lasts

Look around any organization and you will find trust in action. There is some department, work unit, or team where people shine, ideas flourish, and ...

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Shifting into leadership mode

Think about where you work. Does everything happen the way you think it should? If you prefer, think about any device you use. Does it ...

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AMO 2019: Trio of Ontario municipalities receive innovation award

Named after one of the province’s most innovative municipal finance commissioners, the Peter J. Marshall Innovation Award recognizes Ontario municipalities that can point to tangible ...

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Party leaders promise new federal-municipal relationship

During the 2019 annual conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), local government leaders collectively called for a new relationship between the federal government ...

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Big city mayors seek modernized federal relationship

The mayors of the nation’s largest communities are united in calling for a closer federal-municipal relationship to better serve Canadians. The meeting of the Big ...

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CAMA supports municipal administrators with new toolkit

Municipal administrators work at the crossroads of management and politics. Their job is a delicate balance between the formal and informal influences that shape decision ...

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6 tips for innovation

The challenges facing cities are far-reaching and complex. Across the globe, urban and rural areas are grappling with the effects of climate change, shifting demographics, ...

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OMAA focuses on municipal innovation and engagement

The impact of innovation, the growth of new technologies, and the need for greater engagement with both municipal staff and the public at large were ...

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Being a mayor is a tough job

Last fall, there were more than 1,000 municipal elections in seven provinces and territories across Canada. For those of us who delight in following municipal ...

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OSUM 2019 offers insights into Ontario’s municipal challenges

If small urban communities make up the body of the province, then the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities (OSUM) provides them with its voice. OSUM is ...

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TLG event showcases diverse economy of Northern Nevada

Organizers of the 2019 Transforming Local Government Conference (TLG) wanted to ensure its delegates were given every opportunity to embrace the economic diversity – not to ...

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Understanding the root causes of incivility, bullying, and toxic culture

Communities everywhere are seeing a sharp rise in incivility, bullying, and toxic culture. What's going on? by Diane Kalen-Sukra, author of Save Your City: How ...

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Accountability, transparency, and living in the fishbowl

Life in a fishbowl. Living under a microscope every day. The glare of the spotlight on you at all times. That’s how I’ve heard more ...

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Seven municipalities recognized as champions for workplace diversity

Now in its 12th year, Canada's Best Diversity Employers recognized seven municipalities among this year's honourees for exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs across Canada. ...

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FCM president inspires women to shape the future

On International Women’s Day, Municipal World was proud to kick off its 2019 series celebrating Women of Influence in Municipal Government. Our first honouree is ...

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Attributes of a functional council

Many council members and members of the administration are effective at what they do and understand better than others the fragile nature of the human ...

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Sex, Lies & Amalgamations ... the Sequel

Inspired by the movie Sex, Lies, and Videotape, my provocatively titled article in the February 1997 issue of Municipal World began by confessing that while ...

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Getting women into the game

The United Nations has suggested local governments reach a 30 percent threshold when it comes to adequate gender representation, yet recent Federation of Canadian Municipalities ...

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Top 10 Feature Stories for 2018

It's no secret that there were many important issues on the table for Canada’s local governments in 2018. Municipal World’s top 10 online feature stories ...

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To pray or not to pray: A look at the SCC decision on opening prayers at council

Back in 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada handed down a historic decision on the issue of prayer and municipal council meetings. The decision and ...

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The ship has set sail - who is steering?

As the political winds of change envelop city hall, how do we ensure that the focus of the new council is translated into the appropriate ...

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Making it personal: Developing your own social media plan

Few people would argue that their municipality needs a social media plan. A well thought out social media strategy is just common sense. But, there ...

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What does a council do?

It seems to me that I have not addressed the basics of what a council does (or should do) in some time. Given that there ...

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Is your municipality ready to attract and retain top talent?

The war for talent is on, and municipalities are feeling the pinch – as are others in the public and not-for-profit sectors. The pressing question ...

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The other climate change: How local political winds can alter the landscape following municipal elections

As the dawn of a new era begins to settle into the community, the recent municipal election results start to become rather apparent and begin ...

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Leadership lessons from the locker room

If you're a hockey fan, you might recognize the name Ryan Walter – former Stanley Cup champion with the Montreal Canadiens. Since that point, he's ...

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2018 OMAA Fall Workshop report: Bringing our future into view

From October 24-26, the 2018 Ontario Municipal Administrators' Association (OMAA) Fall Convention was held in beautiful Minett, Ontario – with a theme of "bringing our ...

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Three ways to move beyond "squeaky wheel" leadership

If leadership styles had a “default setting,” it would likely be Squeaky Wheel Leadership (SWL). Elected councils are often fixated on how the Squeaky Wheels ...

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Breaking through the municipal glass ceiling

How deliberate systems of support can help remove barriers for women in local government In 1990, the United Nations Economic and Social Council passed a ...

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The Power of Collaboration highlighted at gathering of Alberta's urban municipalities

The 2018 Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Annual Convention recently took place in Red Deer, Alberta under the theme “The Power of Collaboration.” It represented an ...

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7 vital qualities to look for in your local leader

With local government elections happening this fall in several provinces, there is an opportunity for communities to give serious consideration to who will represent them ...

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2018 Report: Candid look at top issues keeping Canada’s CAOs up at night

According to a new report, municipal Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) are a reflection of their country: vastly diverse. Even so, CAOs from across Canada share ...

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Leadership coaching the new hire

Minimizing risk while maximizing potential On-board coaching helps the newly hired or promoted individual expedite their assimilation into the role, organization, and to become productive ...

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Municipal World Report: 2018 AMO Annual Conference

Municipal leaders are concerned for the future – not just for their own community, but also for their country as a whole. At the 2018 ...

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When mayors and CAOs clash

I have often spoken of the ideal mix of personalities at the executive level of a municipality. It seems to me that having a strong ...

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Applications for TLG Innovation Showcases open until September 7

The Transforming Local Government Conference (TLG) is the annual gathering place for local government professionals seeking innovative ways to connect people and ideas that support ...

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The art of showing up

More than ever, our communities need wholehearted public servants to bring their best I have a habit of repeatedly returning to the things that hit ...

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Creating a more inclusive Canada: Bringing women of all backgrounds to the table

Canada is home to many diverse groups of women, and it is becoming more and more apparent that these women need to be better represented ...

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Municipal leaders honoured for outstanding work building our communities

As the order of governments closest to daily life, municipalities are building tomorrow’s more livable, inclusive and sustainable communities. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) ...

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The struggle behind being liked: Why leaders should test their boundaries

Imagine you overhear a conversation about yourself where someone describes you as “nice” or “agreeable” or “likable.” How would you feel? Would you be pleased? ...

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Celebrating local change agents and heroes

Inspiring citizens to make a difference: Brett Culp offers emotionally moving documentaries for free community use In a world where negative stories dominate the news ...

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The new face of city leadership understands the value of collaboration

Canada is in the middle of a substantial transformation – possibly the most substantial transformation in all of Canadian history. According to the United Nations, ...

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Who speaks for council?

I was asked recently about the legitimacy of a council member speaking to a community issue on which the council had not yet taken a ...

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Provincial north faces unique challenges but potential for a bright future exists

“Innovation is one of the greatest job killers in Canadian society …” began Dr. Ken Coates, the keynote speaker at the Federation of Northern Ontario ...

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Councillors behaving badly

Is there an epidemic of municipal councillors behaving inappropriately? In recent years, news stories have told increasing tales of offside behaviour by councillors and heads ...

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Parkland: a lesson in leadership and the pace of change

On the afternoon of February 14, 2018, Nikolas Cruz, a former student of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, entered his alma mater ...

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Power up the people who empower your community: clear roles for council

Why do municipalities and councils exist? Who created them and why? Municipalities are created under provincial statute and are built as corporations so they can ...

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Romance in the office

At this very moment, across Canada, there are a number of instances wherein a relationship is either developing between a member of council and a ...

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Innovation and leadership in Canada's mid-sized cities

When we talk about city-building, it tends to be the large, global cities, like Toronto, New York, Paris, and Tokyo that dominate the conversation. These ...

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A council's "DNA"

A question frequently heard in the world of local government is this: Why does the council act as it does? This question sometimes refers to ...

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True moral leadership requires empowering women

True moral leadership seems to be in short supply today. Yet, it’s something that communities and organizations continue to crave. What is true moral leadership? Leadership ...

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On being a CAO in Canada

I have long been concerned with the proposition that not only public servants, but also all citizens, are necessarily “independent moral actors.” The phrase derives ...

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New councillors: "keep your stick on the ice!"

10 Rules for Surviving Political Body Checks Now that you new councillors have a few meetings under your belt, I will wager 10-to-1 that you ...

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Is a leadership audit in order?

The City Manager (CM) knew he had a problem. In an effort to clean up a financially troubled department, a hard-driving numbers person had been ...

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Nevertheless, she persisted ...

Early in 2017, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell invoked a little-known and rarely-used rule to silence Senator Elizabeth Warren in the middle of a speech ...

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Looking in the mirror

Leadership for a more sustainable future begins at the top With smaller budgets and an eye to the future, communities across Canada are taking steps ...

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Micromanagers deliver micro-results

It continues to surprise me how many people end up in leadership positions while they lack the necessary people skills. They rise through the ranks ...

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It takes two to tango (part 1)

The above aged expression refers to the fact, as Pearl Bailey sang in 1952, that a relationship – like a marriage or like the tango ...

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