EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Supporting the People Who Support You
Executive Assistants and administrative professionals play a critical role in local government. Whether they support the CAO, Deputy CAO, Mayor and Council, or senior leadership, they manage information, relationships, and priorities that directly influence municipal effectiveness.
CAMA is proud to champion this vital profession through a dedicated national chapter: www.cameacanada.ca
INTRODUCING CAMEA
The Canadian Association of Municipal Executive Assistants (CAMEA) is dedicated to supporting and connecting Executive Assistants and administrative professionals working in local government across Canada.
This new platform brings together:
- Training and professional development
- A national EA Conference and webinar series
- Toolkits and practical resources
- Networking and peer support opportunities
We encourage CAOs to share CAMEA with their Executive Assistants and consider supporting staff membership through their municipal professional development budgets.
Membership Opens January 7, 2026
CAMEA membership officially launches on January 7, 2026, and Executive Assistants will be able to join as founding members.
Early Enrollment Bonus: January 7-20, 2026: Executive Assistants who join during this period will receive an exclusive complimentary invitation to the national webinar: "The 2026 Roadmap for Admins" with Rhonda Scharf, International Expert in Administrative Excellence (January 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. EST).
2026–2027 Membership Rates:
• $250/year if your municipality has a CAMA member.
• $400/year if your municipality does not have a CAMA member.
(Sign up in January 2026 and receive 3 months free!)
- Full membership details and updates are available at www.cameacanada.ca.
- Download the CAMEA Membership Value Proposition
TOOLS & RESOURCES: TOOLKIT FOR THE EFFECTIVE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
CAMA developed this Toolkit to support both Executive Assistants and the CAOs they work with. It is designed for:
- New and experienced Executive Assistants in local government.
- Administrative staff supporting CAOs and senior leadership.
The Toolkit focuses on:
- Building a strong CAO–EA partnership.
- Improving productivity and communication.
- Navigating political and organizational dynamics.
A dedicated CAO Chapter provides guidance on:
- Hiring practices (job description, posting, and interview questions).
- Making a business case if you do not currently have an Executive Assistant.
- Finding the right personality and fit.
- Communicating effectively.
- Delegation and performance evaluations.
Visit this link to to learn more and access best practices for both the Executive Assistant and CAO.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING THROUGH CAMEA
National Conference for Executive Assistants in Local Government
The CAMEA National Conference for Executive Assistants in Local Government has quickly become a flagship gathering for Executive Assistants across Canada.
- 2024 – Fredericton, New Brunswick: The inaugural event brought together over 170 Executive Assistants from across the country for training, networking and community-building. Explore the 2024 Fredericton Conference Overview
- 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario: More than 200 Executive Assistants attended the 2nd Annual Conference in our Nation's Capital featuring powerful keynotes, interactive sessions, and a memorable Red and White Canadian Night. Explore the 2025 Ottawa Conference Overview
2026 National Conference
- Dates: October 4–6, 2026
- Location: Westin Calgary, Calgary, AB
Designed for Executive Assistants and administrative professionals in local government - including Administrative Assistants, Office Coordinators, Legislative staff, Clerks/Treasurers, and others who support senior leadership, the Conference features:
- High-quality training and keynote speakers
- Practical sessions on emerging trends
- National networking opportunities
Registration details, airfare discounts, hotel information, and future locations (St. John’s 2027, Ottawa 2028) are available on the CAMEA website.
🟢 Visit the CAMEA website for full Conference details.
CAMA EA MASTER CLASS SERIES 3
CAMEA's national EA Master Class Series provides targeted learning for Executive Assistants in local government.
- Series 1 & 2 explored communications, governance, customer service, time management, influencing dynamics, strategic excellence, and navigating challenges with confidence. To purchase Series 1 and 2 recordings, please contact the CAMEA National Office at info@cameacanada.ca.
- Series 3 focuses on the leadership resilience, emotional intelligence, staying calm under pressure, Indigenous protocols, and peer wisdom at every stage of the EA journey. There is also a bonus session "Making the Leap to Remarkable".
🟢 For pricing, dates, recordings, and registration, visit the CAMEA website.
HOW CAOS CAN SUPPORT THEIR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS
You can strengthen your leadership team by:
- Sharing information about CAMEA with your Executive Assistant and administrative staff.
- Supporting membership in CAMEA through your professional development budget.
- Encouraging participation in the CAMEA National Conference and EA Master Class Series.
- Using the Toolkit for the Effective Executive Assistant to strengthen expectations, communication, and partnership.
A supported Executive Assistant directly enhances the effectiveness of the CAO, the senior leadership team, and the municipality.
LEARN MORE & STAY CONNECTED
- Visit CAMEA: www.cameacanada.ca
- Download the CAMEA Membership Value Proposition
- Read the full CAMEA launch announcement
- Contact: CAMEA National Office – info@cameacanada.ca
