October 01, 2026  

First Nations, Inuit and Métis People live in almost every municipality across Ontario, with around 85.5% of Indigenous people in Ontario living within municipalities.

Municipalities have a responsibility to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and take steps to redress the socio-economic impacts of colonization by meaningfully advancing reconciliation.

AMO's Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan reflects our commitment to fostering stronger, more meaningful municipal-Indigenous relationships.

OMERS Proposed Regulations

The province's proposed regulations preserve AMO’s leadership role as the official representative of municipal employers on the new OMERS Sponsors Council.

MEPCO and AMO will continue to monitor the transition and its implications for municipalities and work with other Sponsors to ensure we have a strong voice in the new governance structure. Feedback is due October 23. 

AMO is Hiring a Policy Advisor

We are seeking a Policy Advisor to lead and support the analysis and advocacy efforts that advance top municipal priorities.

In this role, you will help shape the public conversation about municipalities and influence provincial policy to benefit people and communities across Ontario.

The position is to fill a 12-month contract to cover a parental leave. The closing date is October 13.

Federal Matters

Canada Expands Regional Tariff Response Initiative 

The Government of Canada has increased funding for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative by $1.5 billion. FedDev Ontario has details about how business can apply for funding.

Provincial Matters

Ontario Expands Eligibility for Tariff Support Programs 

The Government of Ontario is expanding eligibility for the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Ontario Together Trade Fund to provide more financial support to businesses affected by tariffs and trade disruptions. 

Rural Ontario Development Program 

A new application window for the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program is open until October 1. This provides funding to attract investment, strengthen workforce capacity and build long-term growth in rural communities. 

Events & Education

LAS AMO Business Services

Supporting Municipal Procurement for Buy Ontario

Ontario’s evolving Buy Ontario requirements are introducing new considerations for municipal procurement teams. Learn how HealthPRO Canada is adapting its sourcing and contracting approach to increase visibility into Ontario and Canadian suppliers, support domestic procurement objectives and help municipalities balance compliance, value and supply chain resilience.

MUNICIPAL PARTNERS*

2026 Western Ontario Municipal Conference in Guelph 

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western Ontario Municipal Conference (WOMC), taking place October 16, 2026, at the Delta Guelph Conference Centre in Guelph. Featuring keynote speaker, the Hon. Bob Rae, alongside programming focused on municipal leadership, emerging priorities, and opportunities facing communities across Western Ontario.

Canadian Public Procurement Leadership Essentials for Elected Officials and Senior Leaders

Designed for elected officials and senior municipal leaders, this online course builds strategic insight into procurement governance, oversight, accountability and informed decision-making. Click here for more info.

ORFA Symposium 2026: Rec Facilities Emergency Management

Strengthen your recreation facility’s emergency readiness through two days of expert-led sessions, case studies, and practical learning designed specifically for recreation facility professionals and leaders. Register here for this hybrid event.

Strengthen Emergency Preparedness: Apply now for Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG)!

The Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response (MEPR) has launched the 2026-2027 round of the CEPG, helping strengthen local emergency preparedness and response capacity across Ontario. Municipalities with populations under 100,000 residents (Statistics Canada 2021 Census data), not previously funded, are eligible. Applications close October 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Careers

Policy Advisor - 12 month contract position - AMO. Closing Date: October 13, 2026.

In Case You Missed It

A Leadership Opportunity for Heads of Council

Mayors and heads of council hold a distinct place in every community: the most visible local leader, the key contact, and the tone-setter for the municipality. A specialized module from AMO’s Local Leadership Foundations focuses on practical insight for the unique responsibilities of heads of council, from managing difficult meetings to advancing local interests. Live, interactive sessions informed by experienced municipal leaders help heads of council strengthen their skills and expertise for a successful term ahead. Click here to learn more.

LAS - All Risk Municipal Grant 

Congratulations to Bruce County, Municipality of Central Huron, and City of Guelph for winning the 2026 All Risk Municipal Grants! Watch our recap webinar to learn more about these projects and others that you can implement in your municipality.

Rural Ontario Week

It's the first-ever Rural Ontario Week! From small towns to remote communities, we’re celebrating the people, businesses, community leaders, volunteers and municipalities that make rural Ontario such a special place to live, work, and build a future.

AMO Contacts
AMO Watchfile Tel: 416.971.9856
Conferences/Events
Policy and Funding Programs
LAS Local Authority Services
MEPCO Municipal Employer Pension Centre of Ontario
ONE Investment
Media Inquiries
Municipal Wire, Career/Employment and Council Resolution Distributions

*Disclaimer: The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is unable to provide any warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of third-party submissions. Distribution of these items does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or services mentioned.