Cerantola on governance

Cerantola advocates councillor training to improve councillor governance
News release from Gary Cerantola Councillor September 10 2010
What I have found over the years I have been involved in researching and implementing
board governance practices is that you start with the competence of the individual members.
It was not until training and orientation for board members was undertaken that I could see
for myself that noticeable changes in leadership towards responsible governance would
happen.
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has developed a document that
examines the role of council and the councillor, governance and law-making in the municipal
setting, the fiscal context, and land use and planning. This would be the first step in a
training and development program that I would recommend for the Town of Wasaga Beach
Council.
The Ontario Association of Municipalities has designed a training course for councillors that I
believe every councillor should take.
This training program is designed by municipal officials for municipal officials. The training
session focuses on the pertinent skills and information you need to fulfill your role as part of
the municipal corporate team. This program provides a foundation for making informed
decisions. It covers the knowledge every Council Member and Staff must know to formulate
an informed opinion and participate fully in the local government process.
Topics include:
-Council and Councillor Conduct;
-The Municipal Act;
-Ethics;
-Roles and Responsibilities;
-Freedom of Information, and
-Conflict of Interest.
The next session available closest to Wasaga Beach is in Owen Sound on February 15,
2011.