News Archive
Note Regarding Canada Postal Services Please note, as of September 26, 2025, postal services across Canada will be interrupted as a result of job action at Canada Post. During this labour disruption, certain services may be delayed or not delivered at all. As a result, some of LGMA's services may be interrupted. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at office@lgma.ca .
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility On-Demand Course Registration now open! Are you eager to deepen your knowledge of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA)? This foundational on-demand course is ideal for local government staff new to IDEA concepts, offering flexibility to learn at your own pace online. Explore key IDEA principles, relevant legislation, practical strategies, and examples from local governments to deepen your understanding of this topic. Through reflective and engaging exercises, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools needed to meaningfully apply IDEA principles in both your professional role and everyday life. Course Format: This online series features five modules that explore diversity, inclusion, intersectionality, equity, recognizing biases, accessibility, and more. Engage with interactive learning activities at a pace that suits your schedule and learning preferences. Cost: $350 LGMA member; $425 Non-member + GST Review the course brochure and register online b y November 21, 2025. Registrants will receive Moodle access information within 2 weeks of registration. Please contact office@lgma.ca if you need support accessing Moodle.
2026 Annual Conference: Empowered Communities, Cultivating Connections The call for speaker proposals for LGMA2026 is now open! We invite you to share your knowledge or highlight your organization’s best practices and innovations at the Annual Conference in Penticton. Faced with emerging issues and increasing challenges of an ever-changing world, effective leaders reinvigorate relationships and cultivate connections while learning from each other and growing together. LGMA2026 will inspire; infused with local flavour, highlighting our host location, Penticton, and showcasing community solutions. Local government leaders, experts, and partners will return to their communities with a strengthened peer network and actionable ideas for a resilient future. Find out more about the conference learning tracks and what kind of sessions we are looking for, and submit your proposal before October 31.
Local Government Internship Program Host Applications Now Open The LGMA is proud to launch the second year of the Local Government Internship Program! Host applications for the program are now open. Building on the success of the first year, this innovative program continues to strengthen local government capacity and inspire future leaders. Funding will be provided to six local governments to host one intern each, including one position administered in partnership with the Northern Development Initiative Trust . Interns gain 12 months of hands-on experience, professional development, and mentorship, while host communities benefit from fresh perspectives, strong enthusiasm for learning about local government, and creative problem-solving. Thank you to the generous financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs. Host applications for the Local Government Internship Program are open until October 28. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting initiative that’s shaping the future of local government leadership. Visit the Host Applications Page for full details and application guidelines.
LGMA acknowledgement of the unmarked gravesites located at former St. Augustine’s Residential School on shíshálh Nation territory (Sechelt, BC) The LGMA acknowledges with heavy hearts the news of 41 additional unmarked gravesites identified by archaeologists, bringing the community total to 81, on the territories of the shíshálh Nation in BC. In 2023, the shíshálh Nation announced the first results of the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans within the areas in and around the former St. Augustine’s Residential School grounds. In the last 18 months since, the GPR team has been scanning additional areas identified through the stories and memories of shíshálh Survivors. Read the full announcement, including words from Chief Lenora Joe, on the shíshálh Nation website . Our deepest condolences go out to the people of the shíshálh Nation. The LGMA acknowledges the immense pain and compounded grief experienced by Indigenous communities around the country. We acknowledge that this news can be triggering. We encourage local governments to honour the compounded and ongoing pain and grief Indigenous communities are experiencing by considering the ways in which they can support Indigenous peoples and First Nations governments. We encourage non-Indigenous leaders to read and reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s “ Canada’s Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials ” Report; from this important report, we recognize that the immense grief felt by Indigenous peoples represents only a fraction of this horrific reality that continues to grow with each discovery of unmarked graves. We remain committed to assisting local governments to implement the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report of 2015 . We share the following resources, knowing that Indigenous peoples impacted by this news may need support and we encourage local governments to share contact information to support in their community: The Indian and Residential Schools Survivors and Family Crisis and Support line: https://www.irsss.ca or 1 (800) 721-0066 or 1 (866) 925-4419 KUU-US Crisis Line for First Nations, by First Nations, offered by FNHA 1-800-588-8717; Adult/Elder line: 250-723-4050; Child/Youth line: 250-723-2040; Aboriginal Wellness Program 604-675-2551 or 1-866-884-0888 Canadian Mental Health Association - British Columbia Division 1-800-555-8222
Summer 2025 Exchange Magazine - Plotting your Course with Strategic Planning The summer 2025 issue of Exchange magazine " Plotting your Course with Strategic Planning ” is now available. BC local governments began to adopt strategic plans roughly 25 to 30 years ago as a means to navigate the expanding scope and complexity of their work. Over time, these plans have become essential for priority-setting and decision-making in the face of rising service demands, expanding responsibilities, economic uncertainty and the impact of decisions by other bodies and levels of government. While today’s strategic plans tend to be more streamlined and user-friendly than their earlier counterparts, the process to develop them continues to be complex and time-consuming. In this issue, we explore the topic of strategic planning, which has become an increasingly crucial tool for local governments. In our feature article, we discuss key considerations and provide advice on developing and implementing a strategic plan. Also included in this issue is helpful guidance on strategic plan communications, and case studies showcasing inspiring examples of strategic planning from three B.C. local governments. Along with our regular features and other LGMA updates, we have a packed edition to add to your summer reading list.
