Convention Spotlight: Respect & collaboration in governance 

Governance is a theme that runs through many of the educational and professional development sessions that will take place at Alberta Municipalities’ annual Convention in Red Deer in late September.

EOEP Pre-convention session: Effective meetings

Start your convention right with the Elected Officials Education Program’s (EOEP’s) Effective Meetings pre-convention course. The course is designed to help participants develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to significantly enhance meeting participation and effectiveness. It builds on highly rated EOEP education sessions at recent ABmunis and Rural Municipalities of Alberta conventions by providing a full day of interactive learning that will help participants:

• Examine how rules of order and proper procedure enhance your meetings
• Recognize the principles and rules of healthy debate
• Identify action items that you can implement at your next council meeting

As an elected official, you spend a good chunk of your life in meetings. This course provides tools, tips, and ideas to make your meetings work best!  Register today.

Presentations focus on respect & collaboration

Fostering a culture of respect in council chambers, on social media, and beyond!

Municipal leaders – it's time to turn the tide on disrespectful behaviour, wherever it’s happening! Join us for a session hosted by ABmunis' Municipal Governance Committee in which you'll get practical tips from elected officials who discuss issues with residents using social media. The session will also feature tips from the Alberta Ombudsman on procedural fairness and how to respond to residents who make a habit of questioning your municipality's decisions. 

Elevate your game to inform residents and foster more positive and respectful conversations in your community. Also, learn what ABmunis has planned to encourage civic participation in the lead-up to the 2025 municipal election. 

Wednesday, September 25, from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.

Dusting off the ballot box: Preparing a successful & positive election in a smaller community

Small community, big election? No problem!  This session is your roadmap to navigating the unique challenges of municipal elections in smaller communities – from attracting candidates to addressing misconceptions and safeguarding your community’s reputation. We’ll shine a light on practical solutions that will help you deliver a smooth, positive election experience of which everyone can be proud.

Wednesday, September 25, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

A Collaboration Carol: The Red Deer story

Gather Ye Round! Elected officials and administrators from the City and County of Red Deer will recount how they broke the chains to ghosts of relationships past to summon a collaborative intermunicipal relationship. Panelists will share successes and lessons learned from present initiatives and how they are setting the table for collaboration yet to come. From recreation to reconciliation, hear practical examples of how municipalities can think beyond boundaries to benefit residents one and all!

Wednesday, September 25, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The Council-CAO relationship: Ensuring effective governance through respect & collaboration

The success of a municipality depends heavily on the relationship between council and its only employee, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This session will feature a panel of seasoned municipal leaders who will discuss the nuances of this critical relationship. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the pressures faced by the CAO, and how council can best support its CAO to achieve their community's strategic objectives. Through real-world examples, this session will highlight best practices for fostering a healthy working relationship between council and the CAO. Participants will also leave with strategies on how to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine the CAO's effectiveness and the council's ability to govern effectively.

Wednesday, September 25, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.