麻豆传媒

In partnership with local government organizations and key subject matter experts, 麻豆传媒鈥檚 Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development has revitalized its programming to support municipal administrators and elected officials with a deeper understanding of local government operations.

In 2022, the local government team at the Faculty of Open Learning identified the opportunity to re-engage with local organizations, including the Association of Municipal Administrators Nova Scotia (AMANS), the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM), and the Association of Municipal Administrators New Brunswick (AMANB) in a revamp of its professional development courses. Through research, environmental scans, and extensive dialogue with these organizations and expert collaborators in the local government sector, the Faculty鈥檚 programming team has designed new and reimagined courses to meet the evolving needs of municipalities.

David Campbell, Executive Director of AMANS says,

鈥淥ur partnership with 麻豆传媒 is important for tackling the complex challenges our municipalities face today. Working together helps us innovate and respond better to community needs. The learning opportunities from this partnership equip our municipal professionals with tools and best practices, creating a culture of continuous improvement that ultimately benefits the communities we serve.鈥�

The Faculty has launched two new certificates in 2024 specializing in and , in addition to a standalone course in 2023. These learning experiences are designed to equip municipal professionals with essential skills to navigate today鈥檚 complex local governance. Focused on skill development, practical application, and adaptability, these programs enable students to apply new knowledge and approaches directly to their roles, creating an immediate and positive impact in their communities.

Local Government Instructor Pamela Lovelace (2024), who teaches a foundational course in the program, highlights the importance of addressing new demands:

鈥淎cross Canada, municipal governments are transitioning quickly to respond to critical issues such as climate change, homelessness, public safety, and increasing service demand due to population growth. 麻豆传媒's new Local Government program provides valuable insight into best practices and creative solutions to resolve issues proactively so municipal government employees are prepared for success.鈥�

The first courses released quickly reached capacity, and student feedback has been very positive. One such example comes from Shelly David, a Municipal Clerk and Communications Officer for the Municipality of the County of Richmond, who shared her experience:

鈥淭he local government course provided me the opportunity to expand my knowledge base while enhancing and improving my understanding of current local government issues. In addition, I benefited from the experiences and sharing of others in the class. I considered everyone's perspectives and contributions vital to my learning experience. Equally important was having a knowledgeable instructor who was welcoming and easily accessible. I strongly encourage anyone considering running for municipal council or pursuing a career in politics or public service to take this course.鈥�

In 2025, additional certificates are set to expand the program鈥檚 content, with a deeper focus on essential areas such as governance, finance, and community engagement. The revamped program is designed to address the unique needs of this level of government, ensuring that local officials are well-prepared for future challenges and equipped with the skills needed to excel in the field.

Isabelle Th茅riault, Executive Director of AMANB, highlights,

鈥淭he AMANB believes that professional development is important for its members. The program offered by 麻豆传媒 for local governments provides different courses that can help our members tackle the challenges and opportunities that our communities are facing.鈥�

Through collaboration with municipal organizations and with the support of engaged learners, the Faculty is helping to empower the next generation of municipal leaders.

If you鈥檙e interested in learning more about the certificates offered by 麻豆传媒鈥檚 Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development, visit聽dal.ca/openlearning聽or聽contact us聽openlearning@dal.ca.听