Fredericton, NB – November 18, 2025 – The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) has released a national research report titled “Building Civility and Trust in Local Government,” highlighting the urgent need to address rising incivility, strained Council–CAO relations, and the erosion of governance culture across Canadian municipalities.
The initiative, launched in June 2025 following strong me
Member feedback at the 2025 Annual CAMA Conference, engaged more than 50 Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) through national Think Tanks, confidential interviews with elected officials, and consultations with organizations such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Canadian Urban Institute, and other experts.
The findings reveal that incivility is emerging as a significant and growing challenge in many municipalities across Canada, affecting aspects of governance culture and Council-CAO relations. Participants pointed to blurred roles between Council and administration, weak enforcement of Codes of Conduct, and the personal toll on both staff and elected officials. Yet, both groups expressed a shared desire for change and practical tools to rebuild trust and respect.
“Civility is not a soft skill—it’s the foundation of effective governance,” said Brenda Orchard, CAMA President and CAO for Lennox & Addington County. “This initiative reflects CAMA’s commitment to supporting both administrators and elected officials through education, collaboration, and practical resources that help strengthen local democracy across Canada.”
CAMA’s action plan includes:
• Promoting mandatory governance and chair training and encouraging the consistent application of Codes of Conduct;
• Providing policy templates, checklists, and contract tools to support respectful workplaces;
• Launching a Peer Support Network and expanding Safe Space Forums for CAOs; and
• Enhancing CAMA’s Council Orientation Toolkit with a new Guide for Mayors and Chairs on meeting decorum, leadership, and collaboration.
The full Executive Summary, “Building Civility and Trust in Local Government,” is available here.
