In its 15 April 2025 Speech from the Throne, the Ontario government outlined its commitment to protecting the province from mounting economic threats. The government pledges bold action to defend and strengthen the economy, including $11 billion in relief for affected sectors, accelerating development in the Ring of Fire, and removing internal trade barriers. The plan encompasses major infrastructure investments, clean energy expansion, support for skilled trades, health care innovation, and cost-of-living relief, all while maintaining a tough stance on crime and border security.
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The Province is proposing to Expand Strong Mayor Powers to 169 Additional Municipalities as of 1 May 2025 to "help deliver on provincial priorities, such as building more homes, transit and other infrastructure across Ontario." Currently, there are 47 heads of council with strong mayor powers. The list of those 47 plus the additional 169 is available in the backgrounder.
OMAA submitted a response to the Registry posting focused on (1) tying the expansion of strong mayor powers to municipal potential for growth and financial ability to act, (2) setting clear limits on provincial priorities, and (3) recognizing the critical role of the CAO in legislation. We have also requested a meeting with Minister Flack to discuss Strong Mayor expansion, liability risks, and potential Codes of Conduct legislation. |
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New MIT Guidebook and Resources Available |
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We are pleased to announce that we have recently launched a range of new and improved supports for Members in Transition.
One such support is our new Bridge the Gap Guidebook---available for download in the Member Library or in print at the spring workshop.
This guide includes practical steps for managing a transition and advice for supporting colleagues who are also MITs. Whether you are facing an involuntary departure or choosing to leave, this guide offers strategies for managing career, family, and a successful job search ahead.
It also has helpful interview questions for those Aspiring CAOs preparing for the big interview. |
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The next federal election will take place on 28 April 2025.
The English language debate will be held tonight at 7 p.m. EST. The debates will also be going out live on most major Canadian television networks.
For those that like to follow polls you can see the latest at CBC's Poll Tracker
Elections Canada has launched ElectoFacts to help Canadian electors easily check whether information about elections is true or not. It also informs electors about how federal elections are run and about the safeguards that protect them. The narratives in this register include some of the main false ideas or beliefs that Elections Canada has seen when trying to understand the information online on federal elections. If you see information about elections that you think might be inaccurate or misleading please email them at electofaits-electofacts@elections.ca.
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The Spring Workshop taking place from May 14-16 at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort is 95% sold out.
Check out the Program-at-a-Glance. Book your hotel room (including extensions) at the JW Marriott by phoning 705-765-1900.
Don't miss out, book your spot today. |
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Save the date Crisis Communication in Action: The Mayor-CAO Dynamic During Disasters
Co-hosted by AMO & OMAA
29 May 2025 from 12-1 pm
Building on the strong foundation laid in our first session—The Mayor-CAO Relationship: Building a Foundation for Success—AMO and OMAA invite you to the second virtual event in this vital leadership series. We’re turning our focus to what happens when crisis strikes.
When disaster hits—be it flood, fire, pandemic, or cyberattack—the effectiveness of municipal communication can shape the trajectory of the response and community trust. At the heart of that communication: the Mayor and the CAO. Join us for an engaging and timely discussion on how this leadership duo navigates the high-pressure environment of emergencies. Who speaks when? How do you ensure clarity, confidence, and community reassurance in the heat of the moment? What lessons did these leaders learn? You’ll hear real-life experiences and lessons learned from municipal leaders who have weathered the storm—literally and figuratively.
What You’ll Gain: A deeper understanding of the distinct and complementary roles of the Mayor and CAO in times of crisis Insights into strategic communication practices that build public trust
Tools to strengthen your crisis leadership partnership before the next emergency Reflections on maintaining morale and clarity inside your organization while addressing the public Featured Panelists: TBD Moderator: Lindsay Jones, AMO Director of Policy |
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US Tariffs and Buy Local Strategies |
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Minister of Energy Stephen Lecce announced a Procurement Restriction Policy that applies to all public sector entities including the designated Broader Public Sector organizations. This Procurement Restriction Policy is designed to restrict United States (U.S.) businesses from accessing public sector procurements in Ontario. A U.S. business means a supplier, manufacturer or distributor of any business structure (includes a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or other business structure) that:
- has its headquarters or main office located in the U.S., and
- has fewer than 250 full-time employees in Canada at the time of the applicable procurement process.
Procuring from a U.S. business is allowed only when: (a) a U.S. business is the only viable source for the good/service, and (b) the procurement cannot be delayed. For clarity, both of these conditions must be met.
The Ontario government is providing approximately $11 billion in relief and support for workers and businesses as it protects the province’s economy from economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs. As a first step to support workers and businesses, the province is: -
Deferring select provincially administered taxes for six months from April 1, 2025, to October 1, 2025, giving businesses and job creators approximately $9 billion worth of cash flow they need to keep workers employed and weather the economic turmoil.
- Through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), issuing a further $2 billion rebate for safe employers to support businesses and help keep workers on the job, in addition to the previous $2 billion rebate distributed in March.
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Municipal CAO Education and Career Trajectory Survey Closes Soon! |
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OMAA is pleased to be working with Thomas Thayer (Municipality of Bayham CAO and Western University MPA Student) on an important study focusing on education and career trajectories of Municipal CAOs in Ontario. We would like to invite you to take part in an important confidential survey of current CAOs/Deputy CAOs/equivalent senior administrators across the province. The study is led by the Western University Local Government Program. Information received through the survey will be provided to OMAA to improve our professional development and collaboration options. We invite you to complete the survey now. This will take about 10 minutes. Participation is optional. Completion of the survey implies consent to use your information for research purposes only.
This survey is strictly confidential, and your answers will be used for research purposes only. The survey will be live until 25 April 2025. Click on the link below to take the survey. |
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Director Strategy Transformation and Organizational Performance |
Reporting to the City Manager, the Director of Strategy, Transformation and Organizational Performance is responsible for administration and oversight of corporate strategic planning, continuous improvement programs, and organizational performance; as well as intergovernmental relations, grants and special projects identified by the City Manager and Executive Leadership Team. The Director will provide leadership, communication, expert guidance, as well as financial direction for the daily functions of the Strategy and Transformation division. In this role, the Director will champion corporate strategic planning to include: the organization's long-term strategic plan; internal corporate strategic roadmap for improvement as well as corporate performance monitoring, and organizational reviews.
Key Duties and Responsibilities Lead S&T team including budget development and tracking and team management to ensure resources are managed effectively to deliver service and goals of the area Strategic planning process and outcomes and organizational monitoring of progress in achieving the goals of the strategic plan
Organizational Grants program to ensure maximum success in winning eligible grants and annual reporting of the program Manage relationships with other levels of government including First Nations and provide key updates to staff and council of emerging issues
Work with Commissioners and Directors to identify and enhance organization wide management governance including goals, work planning and performance measures program Work directly with City Manager and Commissioners to deliver organization wide change initiatives
Plan and deliver core service reviews utilizing in house or external expertise Lead with / for Divisions the implementation of accepted recommendations from core service reviews and track change through performance measures Rate of Pay $166,114.00 -$192,680.00 Closes: 20 April 2025 |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
Join the City of Stratford, a thriving cultural epicentre in southwestern Ontario, as our Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)!
We are seeking a dynamic, principled leader to drive our City’s strategic initiatives and core service delivery, in a community renowned for its manufacturing and tourism sectors.
As the senior advisor to Council, you will ensure that directives and decisions of Council are effectively implemented and managed. You will be the senior liaison with provincial offices and other municipalities. You will also lead the strategic planning process and manage the senior leadership team.
Why should you consider Stratford as your next opportunity for growth? Small City Charm with Big City Amenities –Stratford offers a small city feel combined with award-winning dining, cultural opportunities such as the Stratford Festival Theatre and access to high-quality healthcare, ensuring an excellent quality of life. Once in a Generation Impact – provide strategic direction on the Grand Trunk Renewal Project, a transformative initiative to preserve and revitalize Stratford’s historic site.
Flexibility – a hybrid work from home policy allows for work-life balance. Competitive Compensation – (currently under review) with comprehensive benefits and OMERS pension.
Closes: Friday, 25 April 2025 at 4:30 p.m. |
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Local Distribution Companies play a critical role in enabling Ontario’s clean energy future. As the province pursues electrification, decarbonization and economic growth, LDCs are navigating a complex environment shaped by shareholder expectations, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure needs, and evolving customer demands.
StrategyCorp recently released its first survey of leaders from across a cross-section of small and mid-sized municipally owned LDCs in Ontario. Through in-depth interviews, the survey explores how LDCs are managing key relationships, pursuing innovation and affiliate business growth, adapting to the energy transition, and engaging with the Ontario Energy Board. The findings offer a timely look at the priorities, concerns, and opportunities facing municipally owned LDCs and highlight the importance of collaboration, regulatory adaptability, and long-term planning to ensure sector readiness and resilience.
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