Municipal Clerks Institute

MCI is split into two levels. 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 across the municipal organization. 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.

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
• The role of the clerk in teaching, coaching, and mentoring teams 
• Change management
• Conflict management
• Effective communication and dealing with sensitive issues
• Case studies involving staff-council relations, legislation, policies, ethics, communication, and more
• 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.