Strategic Steps Inc.
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Strategic Steps Inc.
@strategicstepsinc.bsky.social
24 followers 97 following 72 posts
Our teams across BC, AB, Sask, and Atlantic Canada empower local governments, organizations, and non-profits to excel in governance, leadership, and operations through tailored solutions.
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Explore leadership and governance with Ian McCormack’s books: "Who’s Driving the Grader?", "The DNA of Great Leaders", and his latest, "Uncivil Society", on civility in public life. These books provide practical wisdom for leaders aiming to impact their communities. ianmccormack.ca/books. #GreatGov
November 27, 2025 at 5:47 PM
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Municipal leaders: $27.8B is now on the table for your roads, water & transit. But rules are tight.

Read our 5-minute breakdown: www.strategicsteps.ca/post/canada-...

#buildcanada #municipalbudgets #locagov
Canada Strong, but it Ain’t for Free
After weeks of anxiety and rumours around a possible federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first budget has officially passed the House of Commons with four abstentions, winning by only the…
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November 24, 2025 at 5:47 PM
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Our latest blog unpacks why role clarity is everything in municipal governance. Council steers. Administration rows. Mix them up, and the whole team loses.

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#MunicipalGovernance #RoleClarity #GreatGovernance
Effective Teams Work Well Together
Imagine if a hockey team’s players and coaches decided they’d rather do each other’s jobs. How effective will that team be? The centre decides he’d be a good coach, so he swaps places with the head…
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November 18, 2025 at 12:30 PM
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Strategic direction, governance frameworks, and corporate strategies are more than formalities; they’re vital for fostering cohesion, trust, and momentum from the start of the term.

Kick off with confidence. Lead with precision. Connect with us now!

#LocalGov #GreatGovernance
November 13, 2025 at 12:30 PM
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Newly elected? Every new member resets the team. Our latest blog explores Forming-Storming-Norming-Performing for councils & CAOs, plus how to build a thriving partnership from day one.
Read: www.strategicsteps.ca/post/a-new-c...
#MunicipalGovernance #CouncilOrientation #PublicSectorLeadership
A new Council means new relationships
Election season has come and gone for Alberta. Somewhat like holiday seasons, people involved are left with things that they love… and some that they may not even like.During our orientation and…
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November 10, 2025 at 5:47 PM
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Strategic planning with a governance lens ensures accountability & future-proofing for Canadian municipalities. Strategic Steps guides plans to action.. Ready to get started?

#MunicipalGov #StrategicPlanning #GreatGov
November 8, 2025 at 12:30 PM
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Did you know that we offer customizable Governance Orientation Workshops tailored to your municipality's needs? We also offer packages of strategic planning and corporate plans to set a strong foundation for this term. Reach out to learn more!

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Team | Strategic Steps Inc
Meet the team behind the scenes that work closely with our clients to develop unique strategies and workshops to meet their specific challenges while driving them towards their ideal future state.
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November 4, 2025 at 6:17 PM
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Whose job is it, anyway? Municipal training in Canada is a shared responsibility—but who should be leading the way?

Check out one of our most popular blogs on Who's Job Is It Anyway and share your thoughts!

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Whose Job Is It Anyway? Thoughts on Municipal Training in Canada
Starting a new job is always nerve-wracking, no matter who you are or what you do. As a result, we tend to understand that a new team member might need some guidance and a little time to acclimatize…
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October 30, 2025 at 5:47 PM
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Strong governance starts with the basics: clear orientations, solid plans, and defined roles.

See how getting these fundamentals right sets councils up for success: buff.ly/NQjcACx

#GreatGovernance #LocalGovernment #Leadership
Building on the Basics - Orientations, Plans, and Role Clarity
Newfoundland and Labrador have recently had their municipal elections; Alberta’s are also complete. Next up is New Brunswick in the spring.As newly elected councillors, mayors, and reeves turn their…
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October 28, 2025 at 5:47 PM
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Whether your council is brand new or returning, scheduling your governance orientation now can make all the difference. Proper orientation helps councillors understand their roles, build strong working relationships, and start the term with confidence.

#localgovernment
October 23, 2025 at 11:31 AM
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Alberta's 2025 municipal elections saw surprises in local governance, with low turnout, minor party effects in major cities, and changing council dynamics. Governing will be more challenging than campaigning.
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#ABmuni #LocalGovernment #Governance
Alberta’s Municipal Elections 2025
It’s a new day for local government in Alberta. The vast majority of municipalities held their elections yesterday, and councils are now reinvigorated with full membership for the next four years.…
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October 21, 2025 at 5:15 PM
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Strong leadership starts early. Learn how candidate workshops and governance refreshers build sustainable, effective municipal leadership.
www.strategicsteps.ca/post/achievi...

#LeadershipDevelopment #Governance #LocalGovernment #StrategicImpact
Achieving Success - From Candidate Workshops to Governance Refreshers
More and more, I am running across situations in which conflict between and among elected officials is leading to dysfunction in municipal councils, regional service commissions, school boards, and…
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October 16, 2025 at 11:31 AM
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Local voices, big influence

Our latest blog explores how municipal candidates have become the real kingmakers in NL’s elections.

#LocalGov #ElectionsNL #MunicipalPolitics
www.strategicsteps.ca/post/local-m...

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Local Municipal Candidates – The Real Kingmaker in NL
The provincial election in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is now over, and the result is surprising: after 10 years of Liberal government, the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) have squeaked out a…
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October 15, 2025 at 4:15 PM
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Effective public communication is key to successful strategic planning. Our latest post examines how transparency and engagement foster trust and enhance governance.

www.strategicsteps.ca/post/public-...

#LocalGov #StrategicPlanning #PublicEngagement #GreatGovernance #MunicipalLeadership
Public Communications in Strategic Planning
Before my current consultant role, I obtained my degree in communications and worked as a communications specialist for two different municipalities in Alberta. Safe to say, communications is a…
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October 14, 2025 at 6:31 PM
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Good governance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each province and municipality has unique needs—orientations tailored to local realities help councils collaborate, decide, and serve their communities effectively.

Ready to get started?

#greatgovernance #localgov #municipalbudget
October 9, 2025 at 11:30 AM
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Tight budgets don’t mean less engagement — they mean smarter conversations. Our latest blog examines how municipalities can maintain transparency and foster trust, even in challenging financial times.

www.strategicsteps.ca/post/navigat...

#greatgovernance #localgov #municipalbudget
Navigating Engagement on Difficult Budgets
Municipal budgeting is never simple, but when financial plans require substantial increases, the engagement process becomes especially sensitive. That’s especially true in recent years. Post-pandemic…
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October 7, 2025 at 11:30 AM
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Jody Murray, CAO of Portugal Cove–St. Philip’s, NL, discusses the importance of maintaining joy in public service. Comparison, criticism, and responsibility can drain a leader’s energy.

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#GreatGovernance #CAO #LocalGov
Don't let them steal your joy!
A CAO's reflection
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October 2, 2025 at 11:30 AM
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Diversity isn’t just representation—it’s energy and motivation. With municipal elections ahead, every motivated voice helps shape inclusive, innovative local government, setting the next term up with strong leadership and good governance.

#municipalelections2025 #localgov
September 30, 2025 at 11:30 AM
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Do you have an upcoming presentation at your local municipal council meeting? If so, here’s how to make your presentation matter:

- Plan ahead
- Be concise & structured
- Close with clarity
- Know the rules
- Model civility

#localgov #greatgovernance
September 25, 2025 at 11:30 AM
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The 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s highlighted the power of community collaboration. Gail Woodfine’s blog explores how municipalities, volunteers, and local organizations united to create an unforgettable experience for athletes and residents.
Communities Coming Together at the Canada Games
The 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s were something truly special. Yes, they were about incredible athletes and fierce competition, but for me they were also about community, about what happens…
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September 18, 2025 at 3:15 PM
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Council compensation reviews spark debate in Canadian councils, especially in today's economy where public scrutiny is high. How can councils address this issue while maintaining community trust? What effective strategies have you seen? Handling tough conversations is crucial.
September 16, 2025 at 11:30 AM
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Navigating salary reviews in councils involves addressing compensation limits and budget strains. Residents demand fairness, while staff seek recognition and competitiveness. We're here to guide municipalities through this challenge. #MunicipalLeadership #HR
#MunicipalGovernance #HumanResources
September 11, 2025 at 11:30 AM
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Local government officials face more scrutiny than private sector employees. Their communication teams, though media-trained, sometimes lack foundational guidance in governance and ethics - essential for effective communication. Reach out to us to fill the gap! #GoodGovernance
September 9, 2025 at 11:30 AM
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Effective councils rely on strong partnerships.
The Mayor–CAO relationship is the backbone of effective local government. Trust & collaboration at this “hourglass point” keep councils moving forward.Read Craig Pollett’s latest blog
Mayor-CAO Relationship
The Unique Partnership Between Mayor and CAOIn Canadian municipal government, the relationship between a municipal Council and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is a cornerstone of effective…
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September 5, 2025 at 6:54 PM
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Elections in several Canadian provinces are approaching, heralding newly elected and experienced council members stepping into their roles. Ensure your council's success by scheduling a Governance Orientation now!

#EffectiveLeadership #LocalGovernment
September 2, 2025 at 11:31 AM