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.

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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

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.

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#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!

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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

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

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

The Benefits of Workshops for Boards and Councils We regularly work with a variety of different boards and councils. The top-performing councils that we work with have one thing in common – they participate in regular board and council trainings and…

Workshops can help boards and councils build stronger teams, clarify priorities, and boost long-term success.
Check out our latest post to see how workshops create lasting impact:
www.strategicsteps.ca/post/the-ben...

#localgov #boardleadership #greatgovernance

Strategic planning is crucial for boards of all sizes, providing direction and effective leadership. If your board hasn't updated or created a strategic plan recently, now is the time. We're here to help set a clear path forward.

#StrategicPlanning #BoardLeadership #GreatGovernance

Ensure your governance framework aligns with your organization's objectives for effective board function and accountability. Our team offers tailored reviews for both volunteer and paid directors.

#policyreview #greatgovernance #boardgovernance

Clear roles, informed decisions, accountability, and respect are key for a thriving board. Great governance empowers boards to lead confidently, focus on strategy, and drive impact across sectors. Ready to strengthen your board's foundation?

#GreatGovernance #BoardExcellence

Council Isn’t a Battlefield—It’s a Family Table Imagine sitting down at the dinner table with your family. One person dominates the conversation, interrupts others, refuses to listen, and throws a fit when things don’t go their way. Then insists…

Councils can feel confrontational, but they don't need to. Picture them as family gatherings, where trust, attentive listening, and shared aims steer conversations. Discover how to foster a collaborative council environment in our latest post. #LocalGov #GreatGovernance

Establishing Role Clarity Quickly When it comes to governance boards and local government councils, there are few topics as important-or polarizing-as role clarity. Establishing and understanding the difference between who plans,…

Whether you're leading a council, team, or organization, quickly establishing role clarity helps reduce confusion, improve collaboration, and set everyone up for success.

Check out our latest post for practical steps to get there—fast: www.strategicsteps.ca/post/establi...

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Hinton declares local health-care crisis over ‘terrifying’ family doctor shortage | Globalnews.ca Hinton Mayor Nicholas Nissen said the town of about 10,000 people typically has 15 physicians. They’re currently down to six, some of whom work part-time.

Hinton, AB declared a healthcare crisis last year—and they’re not alone. Small towns across Canada are stepping up to meet this challenge in innovative ways. How is your municipality responding?

#RuralHealth #LocalGov #GreatGovernance

globalnews.ca/news/1057899...

Abuse in municipal government—whether harassment, misuse of power, or toxic behavior—erodes public trust. Tackling it requires a shared commitment from staff, elected officials, and engaged community members.

#localov #greatgovernance #canadianmunicipalities

Successful municipal governance depends on clear rules to foster trust, transparency, and fairness. Without these, public confidence can suffer. We help municipalities build frameworks that promote transparency, prevent abuse, and enhance trust. Contact us to nurture accountability. #GreatGovernance

Where You Sit Depends on Where You Stand A friend sent me a link to a Spotify podcast that started with the question “Is Canada Broken”? I hear that more and more, although it’s from many different perspectives. Ultimately it seems that…

In local governance, challenges vary by perspective. Officials and citizens provide unique insights based on their roles, influencing policy. How have these perspectives shaped your local government experience?

#LocalGov #GreatGovernance

We're celebrating 14 years in business, thanks to our many clients in local governments, boards, libraries, and corporations across Canada, the US, and Australia. Your trust and collaboration have been key to our growth and innovation.

Here’s to the next chapter!

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Our team is here to help local governments strengthen governance, enhance transparency, and drive strategic planning. Let's connect and see what we can do together!

#GreatGovernance #LocalGov #StrategicPlanning

Corporate Planning for Success “What is staff supposed to do with the strategic plan?”We hear this question very frequently after a strategic planning session.During a strategic planning session, the Council and senior…

Corporate planning is more than a box to check—it’s a vital tool for growth and resilience. Check out our latest blog to learn what it takes to make one effective.
www.strategicsteps.ca/post/corpora...htt#CorporatePlanning #greatgovernance #localgov

Smart Planning = Empowered Communities

Elevate your town with a Strategic Plan designed for your community’s goals and priorities. Time to make progress!

#communityplanning #strategicplanning #greatgovernance #localgov

Strategic planning helps governments, boards, and nonprofits set priorities, use resources wisely, and drive lasting impact. Plan today for a stronger tomorrow!

#StrategicPlanning #greatgovernance #Leadership

Governance orientations should fit each province’s laws & every municipality’s needs. Custom training equips councils to lead effectively, engage citizens & make informed decisions from day one.
#GreatGovernance #Localgov

Smart Councils Start Here: The Power of Annual Orientations As members of a municipal council, you play a central role in local governance – making decisions that impact residents' daily lives. You make those decisions while managing lots of information…

Smart councils start with strong foundations! Annual orientations keep teams informed, aligned, and effective. Learn why ongoing learning is key to good governance.

Read more: https://buff.ly/3X1iovP
#GreatGovernance #MunicipalLeadership #SmartCouncils

Strengthen your municipality's governance with Strategic Steps' customizable Governance Orientation Workshops. Enjoy tailored content, flexible delivery, and cost-sharing. Spots are limited, so act fast to build stronger, informed councils.

#GreatGovernance #AlbertaMunicipalities