Events and Training

As Ontario heads toward the 2026 municipal elections, elected officials and aspiring candidates are being tested like never before. From navigating divisive politics and social media toxicity to maintaining personal wellbeing under constant public scrutiny, the demands of leadership can feel overwhelming.

Developed in partnership with Nominee, Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities is designed to equip you with the tools, resilience, and confidence to meet these challenges head-on — and to rediscover the purpose that brought you to public service in the first place.

This workshop series is being offered for no charge in two streams:

• Stream 1: For elected officials at the municipal level across Ontario who are considering re-election in 2026 and preparing their path forward.
• Stream 2: For community members considering a run for municipal office in 2026—first-time candidates who want to build confidence before launching a campaign. Civic-minded leaders who want to explore whether elected office is right for them.

Full workshop details.

Workshop dates: each workshop runs 6:30 - 8:00pm

• Stream 1:
  • November 26, 2025
  • January 28, 2026
  • February 25, 2026
  • March 25, 2026
• Stream 2:
  • December 3, 2025
  • February 4, 2026
  • March 4, 2026
  • April 1, 2026

Register here for Stream 1

Register here for Stream 2

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.

Focused specifically on underrepresented candidates, this 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot.

Facilitated by former municipal Councillors Steve Anderson and Jasvinder Sandhu, you will be taken through:

• What to expect running as an underrepresented candidate 
• Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
• Understand what it takes to become a candidate
• Identifying your target audience,
• Developing effective messaging and branding, 
• Utilizing community engagement practices to enhance visibility and support.
• And more!

Dates:

• February 4, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
• April 8, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am

Registration: FREE

Presenters:

• Steve Anderson:

Steve is the former Deputy Mayor for the Town of Shelburne and Councillor for the County of Dufferin. During his time in politics, Steve was identified by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) as a “Municipal Trailblazer.” In addition, Steve is a Senior practicing litigation lawyer with over 20 years of experience with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) where he has received several awards for his distinguished service. Steve was recently appointed by the Federal government to serve in the role of Deputy Administrator for Ship and Rail Compensation Canada.

• Jasvinder Sandhu

Jasvinder is a former Councillor for the Town of Oakville, having served from 2018-2022. During her time in politics, she was a member of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) youth engagement advisory board, and she currently serves as the Chair of the Healthy Democracy Project at AMO.
In her professional life, she is a expert Rising Star Top 40 under 40 Finalist and a seasoned employment lawyer with 15 years of practice experience, licensed in both the United States and Canada.