CAMA BOARD CONVENES IN OTTAWA TO ADVANCE LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP

The CAMA Board of Directors recently gathered in person and online for their quarterly Board meeting in Ottawa, ON.

In addition to discussing the ongoing work of CAMA to support Chief Administrative Officers and senior local government staff across Canada, they also met with representatives from the Canadian Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, as well as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

The Board will come together again this May at the CAMA National Conference in Mont Tremblant, QC.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2025-2026 CAMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2024 AT 4:30 P.M. PST

In accordance with the requirements of the CAMA by-laws, two positions are available on the CAMA Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 year:

•   Representative for Alberta

•   Representative for Manitoba & Saskatchewan

For more details on the nomination process visit the CAMA website.

Please be aware that in the event of an election, every regular CAMA member will receive one ballot for each of the two positions. Given that we are a National Association, each CAMA member, regardless of their Province/Territory of residence, has the opportunity to vote for both positions, not just those within their respective Province/Territory.

UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL: SCHOLARSHIPS FOR EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP, ICMA DEVELOPMENT AND EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT CONFERENCE

Are you ready to elevate your career to new heights? We are excited to announce three outstanding scholarship opportunities exclusively available to Regular CAMA members: one designed for ICMA professional development opportunities, another tailored for CAMA’s prestigious Executive Leadership Program, and a third supporting Executive Assistants in Local Government. These scholarships offer a unique chance to sharpen your skills, expand your professional network, and open doors to new career possibilities.

We invite all interested candidates to submit their applications to Jennifer Goodine, CAMA’s Executive Director, via email at admin@camacam.ca by Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. PST.

Access the full details here: Executive Leadership Program Scholarship, ICMA Scholarship Program, and EA Conference Scholarship Program.

Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Goodine at 506-460-2135 or admin@camacam.ca

HARDER THAN EVER: ONTARIO'S CAOS SHARE THE STRUGGLES

AND STRATEGIES OF A CHALLENGING ROLE

The role of a Chief Administrative Officer has never been easy—but in 2024, it’s harder than ever. From recruitment and retention challenges to financial pressures and rising social tensions, Ontario’s municipal leaders are navigating unprecedented complexities. In this compelling article from Municipal Monitor, StrategyCorp’s annual survey of CAOs reveals the biggest hurdles facing municipal administration today—and the innovative strategies leaders are using to stay resilient.

INVEST IN LEADERSHIP: STRENGTEN YOUR TEAM WITH CAMA MEMBERSHIP

Great leadership isn’t just about individual success—it’s about building a strong, capable team that drives your organization forward. Encouraging your senior staff to join CAMA gives them access to invaluable tools, networking opportunities, and professional development that will enhance their leadership skills and benefit your municipality. Hear from leaders like Gary Kent and Kealy Dedman on how CAMA membership has made a lasting impact on their careers.

Think of who in your senior leadership team might benefit from CAMA! They can sign up for $160.00 for the first year!. Visit the website today!

LEADERSHIP LESSONS LEARNED: WHAT I WISH I KNEW AS A YOUNGER LEADER

by Dr. Frank Benest, ICMA

Leadership is a journey of growth, often shaped by trial and error. What if you could gain insight from experienced leaders and avoid some of the common pitfalls they faced? In Career Compass No. 114: What I Wish I Knew as a Younger Leader, Dr. Frank Benest gathers wisdom from seasoned local government professionals, reflecting on the lessons they wish they had learned earlier in their careers.

From the importance of relationships and political savvy to the power of patience and strategic thinking, this article highlights invaluable insights that can accelerate your development as a leader. Whether you are a new manager or a seasoned executive looking to mentor the next generation, these lessons offer practical takeaways to help navigate the complexities of leadership with confidence and foresight. Click here to read the full article.

2024 CAMA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE NOMINATIONS



Willis Award for Innovation

Population Over 100,000

MyPermit Online Permitting Service

The City of Richmond recently launched MyPermit, an online permitting system for the construction and trades industry. This new service is a milestone in the multi-phased Permit Optimization Project, which improves permitting processes and enhances the customer experience. The new service is part of the MyRichmond portal which enables multi-channel citizen services for residents, business operators and other customers. MyRichmond continues to incorporate innovations that enable customers to interact and transact with the City safely in an entirely digital environment. This includes best-in-class cybersecurity features such as multi-factor and passwordless authentication.

MyPermit facilitates self-serve application submission and progress tracking at the applicant’s convenience. Leveraging technology automation as part of the review and issuance process has been instrumental in the project’s success, shifting the screening and vetting processes to allow permits to be processed in real-time. The agile design and delivery model were key elements in ensuring that the platform incorporates innovation, automation and transparency into the permitting process while improving accountability, reliability and access to permit information.

To view the entire awards submission visit the CAMA Member's Section/Awards of Excellence Best Practices (Search for "mypermit").

Willis Award for Innovation

Population Over 100,000

Intelligent Communities

When we think about a community of the future, we think about a healthy, prosperous place. A place where people want to raise their families, open a business and participate in the community. Where technology and innovation improves quality of life for everyone—and where government is connected to residents. Durham Region is a place where all these ideas have come to life. A mindset reflected in the Intelligent Communities Forum’s recent designation of Durham Region as one of the top seven intelligent communities in the world. 

Durham’s innovative network of government programs, academics, and community partners is creating a culture that encourages and welcomes digital transformation. Through its Intelligent Communities framework, the Region of Durham is leading the way in innovation, with initiatives such as the launch of Durham OneNet; CityStudio Durham; the Durham Greener Homes Program; the Canada Learning Bond outreach project; and the myDurham 311 Smart Home Device Voice Service project. Durham also offers a strong network of digital support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, with collaborative initiatives to connect businesses directly to customers, like the Downtowns of Durham.

To view the entire awards submission visit the CAMA Member's Section/Awards of Excellence Best Practices (Search for "Intelligent Communities").

Lina DeChellis, Director of Economic Development & Strategic Initiatives, City of Welland, ON

Mike Konowalyk, Director of Operations & Infrastructure, Northern Sunrise County, AB

Rachel de Vos, Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer, Alberta Municipalities, AB

Jeff Henwood, Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy, Alberta Municipalities, AB

Sandra Austin, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Regional Municipality of Durham, ON

Warren Mar, Chief Administrative Officer, Township of Scugog - Port Perry, ON

Brinda Permal, Town Clerk, Town of Hampstead, QC

Elizabeth Purcell, Director of Planning, County of Haliburton, ON

Scott Ovell, Director of Economic Development and Tourism & Deputy CAO, County of Haliburton, ON