Ivey Business School

Canadian Municipal Leadership Program

Ivey Business School

Public Sector

About Programme

Municipal leadership is no longer what it used to be. Leaders are navigating rising polarization, eroding public trust, competing community demands, all while trying to keep their team focused, their council aligned, and their city moving forward. If you’re in a leadership role in the public sector, you know the weight of every decision is heavier now.

The Canadian Municipal Leadership Program is built for this moment. It’s a three-day, immersive experience for municipal leaders ready to tackle today’s complexities with sharper tools, broader perspective, and renewed clarity.

The program is active, intense, and grounded in your day-to-day reality. You’ll step into high-stakes simulations, navigate real-world leadership dilemmas, and walk away with practical strategies that stick. We bring real cases, guests, and vignettes from the municipal sector to create a learning experience tailored uniquely to your context.

You’ll also join a room of peers who get it; experienced leaders from across municipalities who are dealing with the same noise, nuance, and public scrutiny. Form a community of peers who can support your growth and development long after the program ends.

Programme Content

Day 1: Realities of Public Service

Public Services Canada Case Exercise Step into a dynamic role play that reflects the messy, political, and pressure-packed environment of public service leadership.

Public Services Canada Case Exercise Step into a dynamic role play that reflects the messy, political, and pressure-packed environment of public service leadership.

Negotiation Deep Dive Learn to lead when interests clash — how to build coalitions, manage difficult personalities, and get to better outcomes without giving ground.

Negotiation Deep Dive Learn to lead when interests clash — how to build coalitions, manage difficult personalities, and get to better outcomes without giving ground.

Day 2: Pressure, Performance & Perspective

High Stakes Leadership Simulation Push your decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills to the edge in this classic simulation of ambition, risk, and survival.

High Stakes Leadership Simulation Push your decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills to the edge in this classic simulation of ambition, risk, and survival.

People Leadership Under Pressure Unpack a real organizational challenge and see how different leadership choices play out.

People Leadership Under Pressure Unpack a real organizational challenge and see how different leadership choices play out.

Day 3: Influence and Impact

Personal Assessment See your leadership style with fresh eyes. Then strengthen the areas that matter most when leading yourself, others, and teams.

Personal Assessment See your leadership style with fresh eyes. Then strengthen the areas that matter most when leading yourself, others, and teams.

Influence & Persuasion Workshop Build the instincts to drive change, even when the politics are tricky and the demands are intense.

Influence & Persuasion Workshop Build the instincts to drive change, even when the politics are tricky and the demands are intense.

Reflection and Commitment A powerful close. Explore the mindset behind resilience, purpose, and long-haul leadership.

Reflection and Commitment A powerful close. Explore the mindset behind resilience, purpose, and long-haul leadership.

Programme Benefits

Earn a certificate and digital credential from Ivey. This Ivey badge is linked to a unique URL, allowing you to showcase your advanced proficiency in online profiles.
Expand your professional network of peers in municipal government leadership.
Take time for mindfulness and reflection to restore energy and motivation.
Enhance your awareness to become a more effective, inclusive, emotionally intelligent leader.
Plan for succession and create a leadership pipeline to develop and sustain future leadership capability.
Adopt insights from Ivey faculty, industry experts, and peers in municipal government.
Encourage an inclusive culture to foster belonging and well-being.
Explore contemporary research on critical business issues to better navigate ongoing challenges in municipal government leadership.

Testimonials

"This program is a life-changing experience that has a powerful impact and challenges your leadership to higher levels. If you want to become a leader of profound character and lead your team in an impactful way, you need to attend."

Rob Adams

Chief Administrative Officer Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

"I highly recommend the program to anyone with municipal leadership responsibilities. The experience offers invaluable learning from peers, insights into your leadership style, and unique opportunities for personal and professional growth."

Katrina Furlanetto

Cataraqui Conservation

"It was an excellent environment, working in teams and navigating the many "grey" situations, testing judgement and ability to extract pertinent facts from the case material. The group discussions were also a great opportunity to get perspectives on the cases from other municipal executives. The exercises which allowed insight into our leadership styles were quite valuable. I would strongly recommend this course to anyone in a leadership role."

Kevin Breen

City Manager City of St. John's

"The high-level case studies challenged my own understanding and leadership orientation in a variety of complex scenarios. Most importantly, the program as a whole provided me with a strong avenue for self-reflection that I have been able to utilize and grow in a way that supports my role as a leader in my municipality."

Demetre Rigakos

Director of Human Resources City of Vaughan

"It was an unbelievable experience... I thoroughly enjoyed the program. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to learn and meet fellow professionals at such a world class facility. I have already changed select behaviours based on my learnings in the program. Gerard, Ann and Kylie were excellent hosts."

David Stewart

CMO Treasurer Deputy CAO Hastings Highland

"I can confidently say that was the most informative program I have completed. It provides extreme value for the money. I learned more about myself and leadership in those 3 days than my combined work experience! Totally appreciative of the program. I think that's the sort of education program AMCTO should offer! I would also agree 'the people in the program make the program.' Gerard and Ann are amazing."

Paul Shipway

CMO CAO Municipality of Bayham

"Ivey is nothing like I've experienced before. The amount of work put into the program, the details – it is amazing and current."

Celine Anderson

Treasurer/Deputy Clerk Municipality of Markstay-Warren

"The program taught me what the key leadership skills are and what they look like through well-chosen examples. I have learned more in three days then I have in previous week long courses."

Kira Dolch

Associate Director Planning and Development Services Town of Fort Erie

"Ivey’s faculty were genuinely passionate about the subject matter. The interactive environment enabled the group to feel connected and work collaboratively throughout the program."

Amy Grose

Township of Mapleton

"Learning alongside other municipal leaders allowed me to hear so many diverse perspectives on our common challenges. Learning from others' experiences clarified my own approach to leadership."

Alana Del Greco

AMCTO

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Speak with an Advisor

  1. Pedagogy (case method, experiential learning, coaching, simulations)
  2. Target Audience
  3. Programme Objective
  4. Contact Person Details

Prashansa Uttam

Programme Advisor

+91 9403890085[email protected]Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm IST

Ivey Business School

Executive Education Office

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https://www.ivey.uwo.ca
Milan, Canada

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Canadian Municipal Leadership Program | Ivey Business School