Municipal Clerks Institute

MCI Level 1 covers a range of responsibilities that may fall under the purview of a municipal clerk in Ontario, and knowledge that is critical to the success of the clerk’s department. It is ideal for:

• Municipal staff new to the clerk’s department or a clerk’s role  
• Individuals looking for a career as a clerk or in the clerk’s department  
• Committee coordinators, elections assistants, committee clerks, or any support role within the clerk’s department  

MCI Level 2 builds on Level 1 and introduces management and leadership skills that help clerks navigate their role. This level addresses the intricate dynamics and relationships that clerks need to manage in relation to council, staff, and the public. It is intended for:

• Experienced clerks
• Clerks who wish to enhance their management and leadership skills, or advance in their career

Please note: A certificate of completion is awarded for each level, so you are not required to attend both. However, if you plan to attend both, please take the levels in order and start with Level 1.

If you are new to the clerk's role, it is recommended that you start with Level 1, then return to Level 2 after you have been in the role for a few years.

MCI is delivered in Zoom format. It is not available in correspondence format.

Each level consists of four days of instructor-led classes. The days start at 8:30 am ET and wrap up between 2:30 - 3:00 pm ET. Classes are interactive and often involve discussions and breakout group activities. Attendance and participation are required on all four days.

Participants will be asked to complete some pre-work in preparation for the classes, and will also be required to complete learning assessments in between and after the classes.

• Government and governance
• Information management, access and privacy
• Appointed and elected official relationships 
• Communications management 101
• Municipal budgeting and basic finance 
• Effective meeting management 
• Customer service and service orientation 
• Bylaws, policies and procedures 
• Municipal law: the legislative framework 
• Licensing and legislative services

• The evolving role of municipal clerks in Ontario
• Challenges and opportunities for clerks
• Balancing competing interests and supporting effective decision-making
• Dealing with sensitive situations involving council
• Dealing with difficult situations involving the public
• Council onboarding and orientation
• Effective boards and committees
• Teaching, coaching, and mentoring teams 
• Change management
• Conflict management
• Leading with purpose as a public sector leader

You will receive a certificate of completion for each level upon fulfilling the following requirements:

• Attend and participate in all four days of classes
• Complete the required learning assessments

All cancellation requests must be sent in writing by email. 

A refund levy of $200.00 +HST will be applied to all cancellations received up to two weeks (14 days) prior to the first day of the program. Refunds are not granted for cancellations made within 13 days or less of the program.

Registrations and payments cannot be transferred to a later date.