The Honourable Chris Tibbs, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, today provided an update on the department’s comprehensive training program for municipal leaders throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Following the Municipal General Election held in October 2025, cities and towns have been supported with mandatory orientation training delivered by departmental officials. This province-wide initiative is designed to make sure mayors, councillors and municipal staff have the knowledge, skills and professional standards needed to serve their communities effectively.

This training program includes four focused sessions covering:

• Roles and Responsibilities of a Councillor and Chief Administrative Officer
• Council Meetings and Procedures of Council
• Conflict of Interest
• Council Budgets and Financial Management

From December 2025 to April 2026, a total of 89 training sessions will have been scheduled for municipalities across the province. Participation to date has been strong, as the department continues to deliver mandatory orientation training to approximately 1,700 councillors and municipal staff. This level of engagement reflects a shared commitment to strong local leadership and well-governed communities.

Municipal leaders and staff are encouraged to register for upcoming training sessions by visiting the department’s website at www.gov.nl.ca/mpa/local-governance-division/training/.

Municipal councillors must complete the required orientation training within six months of being sworn into office (by mid-April 2026). The minister may extend this deadline if a councillor requests more time.

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“The department’s mandatory orientation training program is laying a strong foundation for effective, accountable local governance across the province. I am encouraged by the outstanding participation to date, which reflects the commitment of municipal leaders to serving their communities well. I strongly encourage those municipal leaders yet to complete their training to register for any upcoming sessions and join their peers in building stronger communities.”
Honourable Chris Tibbs
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

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