COUNCILLOR SCHOOL 101 📚

September 26th, 2026

I’m not waiting until Election Day to start preparing for the job.

If I’m fortunate enough to earn your trust and take a seat at the Council table, I want to be ready to get to work on Day 1.

Just as I would with any important job, I’m preparing by learning the legislation, by-laws, policies, procedures and responsibilities that come with being a municipal councillor.

I’m also drawing on the experience I’ve gained throughout my working life — working with people, information, systems, documents and complex organizations — and thinking about how I can bring that experience to the Council table.

I don't expect to know everything.

I do expect myself to prepare, keep learning, ask good questions and bring thoughtful ideas to the table.

Here are just some of the areas I’m learning about:

WHAT I’M LEARNING ABOUT…	RELEVANT LEGISLATION / RULEBOOK
The role & responsibilities of a Councillor	Municipal Act, 2001; Wasaga Beach by-laws & policies
Conflict of Interest	Municipal Conflict of Interest Act; Code of Conduct
Gifts, Hospitality & Lobbying	Municipal Act; Code of Conduct; municipal lobbying rules
Council Meetings & Procedure	Municipal Act; Council Procedural By-law
Council & Municipal Staff	Municipal Act; Council-Staff Relations Policy
Confidentiality, Privacy & Public Records	MFIPPA; Municipal Act; Code of Conduct
Municipal Finances, Procurement & Contracts	Municipal Act; municipal procurement by-laws/policies
Planning & Development	Planning Act; Official Plan; Zoning By-law
Communications & Social Media	Code of Conduct; municipal policies
Accessibility & Respectful Conduct	AODA; Human Rights Code; Code of Conduct
The Integrity Commissioner	Municipal Act; Code of Conduct; MCIA
Accountability & Complaints	Municipal Act; Code of Conduct; Integrity Commissioner procedures

These aren't simply abstract topics. Ontario's Municipal Act establishes the framework for municipal accountability, codes of conduct and Integrity Commissioners, while the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act sets specific obligations around pecuniary interests.

And municipalities have their own rules and policies that councillors must understand as well. For example, Ontario requires municipalities to have codes of conduct, with prescribed areas including gifts and hospitality, respectful conduct, confidential information and municipal property.

This isn't about arriving at the Council table believing I have all the answers.

It's about arriving prepared to do the work.

PREPARE. LEARN. CONTRIBUTE.

Prepare: Learn the rules. Understand the job.Learn: Keep learning. Ask questions. Seek advice.Contribute: Bring my experience, perspective and good ideas to the table.

Because if you give me the opportunity to serve, I want to be ready to work from Day 1.

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Thanks for listening!