Municipal training underway for councillors across Newfoundland and Labrador, Tibbs says

Minister Chris Tibbs says a provincewide training program for municipal leaders is underway following the municipal general election held in October 2025.

The minister of Municipal and Community Affairs said mandatory orientation sessions are being delivered by departmental officials to support cities and towns across Newfoundland and Labrador. The program is aimed at ensuring mayors, councillors and municipal staff have the knowledge and skills needed to serve their communities.

The training includes four sessions focused on the roles and responsibilities of councillors and chief administrative officers, council meetings and procedures, conflict of interest, and council budgets and financial management.

The department says 89 training sessions have been scheduled for municipalities across the province between December 2025 and April 2026. About 1,700 councillors and municipal staff are expected to take part in the mandatory orientation.

Tibbs said participation so far has been strong and reflects a commitment among municipal leaders to effective local governance.

Municipal councillors are required to complete the orientation training within six months of being sworn into office, with a deadline set for mid-April 2026. The minister may extend the deadline if additional time is requested.

Municipal leaders and staff can register for upcoming sessions through the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs website.