Advocacy

For over 60 years, we have enhanced and contributed to good governance at the local and provincial orders of government.  Municipalities function best when they have a council that represents the diverse elements in society and promotes open and deliberative decision-making, supported by a public service that values professionalism and rational decision-making. Good governance involves maintaining the balance between the Mayor, Council, and a professional CAO hired to implement the policies of the elected council. 

The CAOs that make up our membership are an integral part of municipal good governance having responsibility to provide guidance and support for their Mayors and Councillors, to oversee implementation of Council directives, and to manage their administrations and high performing workforce. The CAO is a key role in ensuring effective, responsive, non-political, professional and accountable municipal administrations.

OMAA is the voice of Ontario CAOs. We advocate for solutions that contribute to municipal good governance and support CAOs in their professional management role.

Advocacy Pillars

The Association has defined five broad ethical pillars that guide our approaches to advocacy and related matters facing the OMAA.

Respect for Diversity. We celebrate diversity as a source of strength and we champion inclusive attitudes and the adoption of inclusive approaches that lead to the full and meaningful participation of all.

Results-Oriented Good Governance. Good municipal governance requires role clarity and certainty to create a synergistic relationship for both elected officials and municipal staff.

Focused. Our focus is on issues that achieve results-oriented good municipal governance. 

Collaborative and Non-partisan. We look for opportunities to align and partner with other municipal associations on meaningful initiatives. Like our members, our approach is strictly non-partisan.

Equality. Every Municipality should have a CAO.

Key Issues

The Issue Profile is the set of public policy objectives for OMAA members as approved by the Board of Directors. OMAA staff will commit time and resources to addressing issues identified herein and will evaluate progress made on these objectives annually with the Board of Directors.

1. Chief administrative officers play a key leadership role in the municipal world. They are the administrative head of a municipality and the bridge between staff and the elected council.
2. CAOs are an integral part of municipal good governance having responsibility as the chief policy advisor to their mayors and councillors, to oversee implementation of Council directives, and to manage their administrations and high performing workforce.
3. Every municipality should have a CAO that functions as the administrative leader of that municipality. CAOs are a key pillar in the structure of municipal governments.
4. There are many benefits of an apolitical public service led by an effective CAO. Empowered CAOs ensure political neutrality, professional accountability, and the ability to defend ethical principles.
5. The Municipal Act should clearly define the role of the CAO and how this role contributes to municipal good governance in Ontario.

Initiatives and Toolkits by Topic

• OMAA's 2021 Submission to the Code of Conduct Consultation
• OMAA's White Paper - Good Governance at the Local Government Level Requires CAO Role Certainty in the Municipal Act

Strategic Plan

OMAA’s strategic plan has six objectives: (1) offer quality professional development events, (2) provide members services aligned with all stages of a CAO career, (3) supply member services that cater to specific circumstances, (4) ensure the association is financially sustainable, (5) positive intergovernmental relations, and (6) confirm the by-law serves the members well.