In This Issue:
- Opportunity: AMO Board of Directors Election 2026-2028.
- Take a look at AMO’s Responding to Constituents Handguide.
- Recording: Unlock AMO's New Workforce Development Campaign Assets.
- Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative.
- AMO Conference Early Bird Rates End Thursday, March 12.
- Supporting your Run for Municipal Office in 2026: Resources and Workshops.
- Indigenous Candidates Thinking of Running for Office.
- Workshop: Lead through crisis with confidence.
- The All Risk Municipal Grant Application Deadline is May 1.
- BPS Energy Data Reports due July 1, 2026.
- Blog: Why Canadian Municipalities Must Rethink Cybersecurity in the Age of AI.
- Reduce Employee Group Benefits Costs.
- Apply now: AMCTO-Mitacs Municipal Innovation Internship Program.
- Free Intersectoral Action Training Series to enhance well-being in Ontario.
- Careers.
AMO Matters
We encourage all Council members and senior municipal employers to consider a leadership role on AMO's Board of Directors for the 2026-2028 term. Please find preliminary information on this opportunity on the AMO website. Further information will be released in spring 2026 when nominations open.
AMO's Responding to Constituents Handguide includes tools to help reduce escalation, set boundaries, offers sample response language, and foundational policies to back you up. This is one of seven guides found within AMO’s Leading with Respect Handguides, which all provide practical tools to help councils and staff manage conflict and foster a culture of civility.
In case you missed it, check out this week's recording of AMO's Municipal Workforce Development Project webinar that walks you through how to leverage the brand new Make Your Municipal Move campaign assets and ready-made templates to drive local engagement through your own channels. Watch the webinar recording here.
Provincial Matters
The governments of Canada and Ontario are accepting applications from February 17 to March 17 for new funding to help local businesses grow international and domestic sales under the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative.
Education Opportunities
Are you joining us for the AMO Conference in Ottawa this year? Now is the time to register to access delegation meeting opportunities, networking, learning and more. Secure your spot before next Thursday, March 12th at 6 pm for early bird rates.
AMO is offering programs designed to support aspiring candidates and returning elected officials. Whether you are considering your first run for office, seeking re-election, represent an underrepresented community, or a youth, we have a program tailored for you. Resources range from helping you make the decision to run or run again, to building your team, crafting your message, and getting out the vote, and includes the Lead Where You Live guide for key steps in the process. Register for workshops and access resources here.
AMO has expanded their Healthy Democracy Leadership Series. AMO is offering a series of workshops for urban Indigenous peoples’ thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections. These sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and running a campaign. Register here.
Municipal leaders need to know what to say and do during a crisis. Join us March 11th & 12th for a two half-day course that will give you the tools frameworks, and confidence to lead your community through an emergency. Secure Your Spot.
LAS
The All Risk Municipal Grant – Investing in Municipal Risk Resiliency recognizes and supports innovative risk management practices within Ontario municipalities. Submit your ideas by May 1 for a chance to receive $10,000 towards your projects.
Only 4 short months until your annual energy reports are due to the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The LAS Energy Planning Tool (EPT) make this easy, especially if you are part of our Electricity and/or Natural Gas programs. Don’t wait - get started on your reporting today. Not sure where to start – join the Ministry’s webinar on either April 28 or May 26 from 11a-12p, or contact BPSsupport@ontario.ca.
AI-enabled attacks are the number one defining trend that could reshape the Ontario municipal threat environment as municipalities increase their AI usage. Learn what AI cyber threats are and how to mitigate the risks by reading our latest blog contributed by our CIMOM program partner, ISA Cybersecurity. Click here.
The LAS Group Benefits program offered by Mosey & Mosey helps reduce your employee group benefit costs. The plan offerings are customizable to your municipality’s needs, and quotes are free of charge. Visit our website for more information.
Municipal Wire*
Don't miss your chance to apply for the next intake of the AMCTO-Mitacs Municipal Innovation Internship Program. This program offers municipalities a cost-effective way to identify, advance, and address innovation or research challenges by partnering with a post-secondary student interested in a career in local government. To learn more or to submit an application, .
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Tamarack Institute are offering public health units, governments, and others a virtual learning series on strengthening collaboration to enhance well-being in Ontario.
Careers
Manager of Legal - Town of Innisfil. Closing Date: March 9, 2026.
