Books By Ian | Ian McCormack The Glaring Cap Governance Board Training

While you have embraced the excitement of the new year ahead, gift yourself Ian books; the ultimate toolkit for leadership, governance, and tackling toxic environments. Level up your decision-making, build resilient communities, and lead with impact.

Get them here: www.ianmccormack.ca/books

Tone Is Leadership. Set It Before the First Faceoff Before the first faceoff at the World Juniors, teams decide how they want to show up. This time of year, councils have that same choice.It’s worth remembering that councils don’t just make decisions.…

In our latest blog, Gail provides practical insights to help you reflect on past experiences and intentionally shape a positive tone for 2026. Check it out now: buff.ly/chMq4UX

#LocalGovernment #Leadership. #CommunityBuilding

From enhancing governance practices to fostering innovation and operational excellence, our proven approaches empower you to lead with greater impact and efficiency. Let’s make 2026 your year of transformative success and lasting results for your communities.

#greatgovernance

Prioritizing in Times of Change Last month, we spilled some ink about the federal budget, the new direction of federal finances, and the expected impact on local infrastructure. This month, we examine the issue from the other side…

With the federal government's renewed emphasis on "building again", Canadian municipalities are perfectly positioned to capitalize on this momentum. Check out our latest blog to learn about prioritizing during times of change:

Elected officials & municipal staff may have different priorities, but share one goal: improving their communities.

Spot room for better collaboration? Strategic Steps offers coaching to bridge gaps & foster success.

email info@strategicsteps.ca to chat!

#MunicipalLeadership #LocalGov #GreatGov

Our offices in Western and Atlantic Canada will be closed to allow our team some well-deserved rest and quality time with their families. We'll be back refreshed and ready to support you soon!

In the meantime, please email info@strategicsteps.ca to reach us

Feeling stuck in a budgeting loop? Our experts design a custom strategy to meet your community's unique needs, whether zero-based, program-oriented, performance-driven, or priority-focused. Let's create a budget that truly reflects residents' priorities. #Budgeting #LocalGov

In case you missed it, our expert @ianmccormack shared his take on recall petitions for MLAs in Alberta during a spot on CBC Radio Active. Catch the full interview here: www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...

#AlbertaRecall #GreatGovernance

Does your municipality's budget match the needs of your community? Are you wondering if PBB suits your community? Reach out at info@strategicsteps.ca. #PriorityBasedBudgeting #LocalGovernment

#PriorityBasedBudgeting #LocalGov #GreatGovernance

Governance Is a Team Sport What Hockey and Baseball Teach Us About LeadershipIt’s late in the game, tensions are high, and every play matters. The team is on the ice, working hard and following the plan. Then, mid-game, the…

Great councils don’t win alone—success happens when staff, council, and community all play the same game.

Our latest post breaks down how to get everyone on the same playbook: www.strategicsteps.ca/post/governa...

#LocalGov #GreatGovernance #MunicipalLeadership

Explore leadership and governance with Ian McCormack’s books: "Who’s Driving the Grader?", "The DNA of Great Leaders", and his latest, "Uncivil Society", on civility in public life. These books provide practical wisdom for leaders aiming to impact their communities. ianmccormack.ca/books. #GreatGov

Canada Strong, but it Ain’t for Free After weeks of anxiety and rumours around a possible federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first budget has officially passed the House of Commons with four abstentions, winning by only the…

Municipal leaders: $27.8B is now on the table for your roads, water & transit. But rules are tight.

Read our 5-minute breakdown: www.strategicsteps.ca/post/canada-...

#buildcanada #municipalbudgets #locagov

Effective Teams Work Well Together Imagine if a hockey team’s players and coaches decided they’d rather do each other’s jobs. How effective will that team be? The centre decides he’d be a good coach, so he swaps places with the head…

Our latest blog unpacks why role clarity is everything in municipal governance. Council steers. Administration rows. Mix them up, and the whole team loses.

buff.ly/JlSeH8I

#MunicipalGovernance #RoleClarity #GreatGovernance

Strategic direction, governance frameworks, and corporate strategies are more than formalities; they’re vital for fostering cohesion, trust, and momentum from the start of the term.

Kick off with confidence. Lead with precision. Connect with us now!

#LocalGov #GreatGovernance

A new Council means new relationships Election season has come and gone for Alberta. Somewhat like holiday seasons, people involved are left with things that they love… and some that they may not even like.During our orientation and…

Newly elected? Every new member resets the team. Our latest blog explores Forming-Storming-Norming-Performing for councils & CAOs, plus how to build a thriving partnership from day one.
Read: www.strategicsteps.ca/post/a-new-c...
#MunicipalGovernance #CouncilOrientation #PublicSectorLeadership

Strategic planning with a governance lens ensures accountability & future-proofing for Canadian municipalities. Strategic Steps guides plans to action.. Ready to get started?

#MunicipalGov #StrategicPlanning #GreatGov

Team | Strategic Steps Inc Meet the team behind the scenes that work closely with our clients to develop unique strategies and workshops to meet their specific challenges while driving them towards their ideal future state.

Did you know that we offer customizable Governance Orientation Workshops tailored to your municipality's needs? We also offer packages of strategic planning and corporate plans to set a strong foundation for this term. Reach out to learn more!

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Whose Job Is It Anyway? Thoughts on Municipal Training in Canada Starting a new job is always nerve-wracking, no matter who you are or what you do. As a result, we tend to understand that a new team member might need some guidance and a little time to acclimatize…

Whose job is it, anyway? Municipal training in Canada is a shared responsibility—but who should be leading the way?

Check out one of our most popular blogs on Who's Job Is It Anyway and share your thoughts!

www.strategicsteps.ca/post/whose-j...

Building on the Basics - Orientations, Plans, and Role Clarity Newfoundland and Labrador have recently had their municipal elections; Alberta’s are also complete. Next up is New Brunswick in the spring.As newly elected councillors, mayors, and reeves turn their…

Strong governance starts with the basics: clear orientations, solid plans, and defined roles.

See how getting these fundamentals right sets councils up for success: buff.ly/NQjcACx

#GreatGovernance #LocalGovernment #Leadership

Whether your council is brand new or returning, scheduling your governance orientation now can make all the difference. Proper orientation helps councillors understand their roles, build strong working relationships, and start the term with confidence.

#localgovernment

Alberta’s Municipal Elections 2025 It’s a new day for local government in Alberta. The vast majority of municipalities held their elections yesterday, and councils are now reinvigorated with full membership for the next four years.…

Alberta's 2025 municipal elections saw surprises in local governance, with low turnout, minor party effects in major cities, and changing council dynamics. Governing will be more challenging than campaigning.
buff.ly/wjMBCDF
#ABmuni #LocalGovernment #Governance

Achieving Success - From Candidate Workshops to Governance Refreshers More and more, I am running across situations in which conflict between and among elected officials is leading to dysfunction in municipal councils, regional service commissions, school boards, and…

Strong leadership starts early. Learn how candidate workshops and governance refreshers build sustainable, effective municipal leadership.
www.strategicsteps.ca/post/achievi...

#LeadershipDevelopment #Governance #LocalGovernment #StrategicImpact

Local Municipal Candidates – The Real Kingmaker in NL The provincial election in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is now over, and the result is surprising: after 10 years of Liberal government, the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) have squeaked out a…

Local voices, big influence

Our latest blog explores how municipal candidates have become the real kingmakers in NL’s elections.

#LocalGov #ElectionsNL #MunicipalPolitics
www.strategicsteps.ca/post/local-m...

www.strategicsteps.ca/post/local-m...

Public Communications in Strategic Planning Before my current consultant role, I obtained my degree in communications and worked as a communications specialist for two different municipalities in Alberta. Safe to say, communications is a…

Effective public communication is key to successful strategic planning. Our latest post examines how transparency and engagement foster trust and enhance governance.

www.strategicsteps.ca/post/public-...

#LocalGov #StrategicPlanning #PublicEngagement #GreatGovernance #MunicipalLeadership

Good governance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each province and municipality has unique needs—orientations tailored to local realities help councils collaborate, decide, and serve their communities effectively.

Ready to get started?

#greatgovernance #localgov #municipalbudget

Navigating Engagement on Difficult Budgets Municipal budgeting is never simple, but when financial plans require substantial increases, the engagement process becomes especially sensitive. That’s especially true in recent years. Post-pandemic…

Tight budgets don’t mean less engagement — they mean smarter conversations. Our latest blog examines how municipalities can maintain transparency and foster trust, even in challenging financial times.

www.strategicsteps.ca/post/navigat...

#greatgovernance #localgov #municipalbudget

Don't let them steal your joy! A CAO's reflection

Jody Murray, CAO of Portugal Cove–St. Philip’s, NL, discusses the importance of maintaining joy in public service. Comparison, criticism, and responsibility can drain a leader’s energy.

buff.ly/nr6Ipjq

#GreatGovernance #CAO #LocalGov

Diversity isn’t just representation—it’s energy and motivation. With municipal elections ahead, every motivated voice helps shape inclusive, innovative local government, setting the next term up with strong leadership and good governance.

#municipalelections2025 #localgov

Do you have an upcoming presentation at your local municipal council meeting? If so, here’s how to make your presentation matter:

- Plan ahead
- Be concise & structured
- Close with clarity
- Know the rules
- Model civility

#localgov #greatgovernance

Communities Coming Together at the Canada Games The 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s were something truly special. Yes, they were about incredible athletes and fierce competition, but for me they were also about community, about what happens…

The 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s highlighted the power of community collaboration. Gail Woodfine’s blog explores how municipalities, volunteers, and local organizations united to create an unforgettable experience for athletes and residents.