
CAMA Announces Creation of New Chapter: The Canadian Association of Municipal Executive Assistants (CAMEA)
At its Annual General Meeting held in Mont-Tremblant, the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) proudly announced the formal establishment of a new chapter: the Canadian Association of Municipal Executive Assistants (CAMEA).
This significant milestone marks a transformative moment for both CAMA and administrative professionals across the country who play a critical role in the success of local governments. CAMEA will serve as a dedicated national platform for Executive Assistants and administrative professionals working in municipal government, offering tailored professional development, peer networking, and resources specific to their unique and vital roles.
The creation of CAMEA builds on the momentum of several recent CAMA initiatives designed to support this professional community, including:
- The launch of the Executive Assistant Toolkit (2023);
- Two successful years of EA Master Classes (2024 and 2025);
- The growth of the EA Connections national networking group; and
- The inaugural National EA Conference held in Fredericton in 2024, with the second event planned for Ottawa in October 2025.
A soft launch of CAMEA will take place during the upcoming EA Conference in Ottawa, with the official rollout scheduled for January 2026.
“This new chapter is about recognizing the incredible value Executive Assistants bring to the municipal profession,” said Brenda Orchard, CAMA President/Board Representative for Ontario, and CAO for the County of Lennox & Addington. “CAMEA will empower these professionals through meaningful learning and connection opportunities that directly support strong municipal leadership.”
"This is one of the most exciting and strategic developments in CAMA’s recent history,” added Jennifer Goodine, CAMA Executive Director. “CAMEA is about recognizing and elevating the essential contributions of Executive Assistants—the often-unsung heroes of effective municipal leadership.”
More details, including membership benefits and opportunities for engagement, will be announced in the coming months.