Incivility & Municipalities Forum

Agenda

• 8:30am - Welcome/Morning Moderator Introduction

  Welcoming Remarks:

  Danielle Manton, AOMC, Dipl.M.M.
  General Manager, Corporate Services, City of Cambridge
  AMCTO President

  Morning Moderator:
  
  Tyler Cox, CMO, AOMC, Dipl.M.A. 
  Manager, Legislative Services, City of Ottawa 
  Zone 6 Board Director 

• 8:45am - Panel Discussion: Incivility Insights & Experiences

  Incivility in the municipal sector is multi-faceted: it happens externally with residents, members of the public, including ‘keyboard warriors’, and internally among staff, council, and even sometimes within your own teams. At times, incivility can make you feel as though you are alone, make you question things, and make you feel unsure about what to do or how to respond.

  This panel discussion will share insights and lived experiences of incivility from municipal professionals and sector leaders. Through a mix of prepared and open questions, this discussion aims to highlight common challenges and responses to incivility, allowing participants to hear real life examples and to help others struggling with incivility feel less alone. This candid discussion will set the stage for the remainder of the Forum, outlining a growing concern for instances of incivility and the need for collective action and sector-wide solutions.

  Presented by:

  Gloria Raybone, Dipl.M.A.
  Former CAO/Treasurer, Zone 6

  Ann Mitchell, Dipl.M.A., Dipl.M.M.
  Principal, Mitchells Consulting 

  More panelists to come!

• 9:55am - Keynote Presentation: The State of Civility & the Art of Civic Intervention

  In this opening keynote, Diane Kalen-Sukra presents a clear-eyed state of civility in local government, showing that rising incivility is not merely a behavioural concern, but a direct threat to local democracy. Drawing on international research, municipal experience, historical insight, and the findings of the inaugural Global Civility Summit, Diane examines how the erosion of shared norms, respect for public servants, and regard for democratic process has weakened councils, workplaces, and public confidence—and how silence and 'quiet professionalism' can unintentionally accelerate that decline.

  This session also introduces the art of the civic intervention: a deliberate, principled leadership practice that equips us to interrupt harmful patterns, de-escalate conflict, and re-anchor civic life in truth, process, and dignity. Gain clarity about what is at stake and what you can do when norms are breached and individual and collective well-being is undermined.

  Presented by:

  Diane Kalen-Sukra, MA, CMC
  Founder, Kalen Academy

• 10:50am - Peer-to-Peer Facilitated Breakout Sessions: Unpacking Incivility in Your World

  These facilitated peer networking sessions give you the opportunity to learn, connect, and share insights on how incivility affects your role and your municipality. Each breakout session is guided by a facilitator who will help shape the conversation through thoughtful questions and shared perspectives. During challenging times, it’s essential to connect with your peers and come together - know that you are part of a strong community of municipal professionals you can rely on for support.

  Facilitated by:

  Madison Zuppa, CMO, AOMC, Dipl.M.A.
  Deputy City Clerk, City of Sault St. Marie

  Kelli Campeau, CMO, AOMC, Dipl.M.A.
  General Manager of Corporate Services/Clerk, Township of South Glengarry

  Tyler Cox, CMO, AOMC, Dipl.M.A.
  Manager, Legislative Services, City of Ottawa 

  Gloria Raybone, Dipl.M.A.
  Former CAO/Treasurer, Zone 6

  David Arbuckle, MPA
  Executive Director, AMCTO

  Alana Del Greco, AMP, Dipl.M.A.
  Manager, Policy & Government Relations, AMCTO

  Charlotte Caza
  Policy Advisor, AMCTO

• 12:00pm - Lunch Break
• 12:55pm - Afternoon Moderator Introduction

  Madison Zuppa, CMO, AOMC, Dipl.M.A.
  Deputy City Clerk, City of Sault Ste. Marie
  AMCTO Director at Large

• 1:00pm - Polarization, Power & Pathways Forward: Protecting Psychological Safety in an Era of Division

  From escalating tensions in municipal workplaces and council chambers to community-driven threats, municipal employees are increasingly vulnerable to psychological harm, harassment, and unsafe work environments. This session takes a staff-first approach to governance, exploring how legislative tools, cultural initiatives, and targeted training can help municipalities safeguard their teams and foster a healthier workplace culture.

  Join us to learn about the growing risks of workplace harassment and psychological harm in politically charged environments; identify workplace risks and mitigation strategies for building psychologically safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces; and come away with practical strategies, including leadership skills and strategies for improving accountability.

  Presented by: 

  Lauren Bernardi
  Managing Partner & Workplace Investigator, Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP

• 2:05pm - The 60-Second Civility Reset

  This presentation introduces the 60-Second Civility Reset: a simple, practical tool designed to improve everyday communication by slowing reactions and refocusing intent. It explores how fast-paced, emotionally charged environments can erode clarity and understanding, making even small interactions harder than they need to be. The session breaks down a five-step reset that helps people clearly name an issue, make a constructive request, and reduce unnecessary friction in their messages.

  Presented by: 

  Marc MacDonald
  Chief Communications & Engagement Officer, City of Welland

• 3:10pm - Trends in Incivility & Harassment: A Look at the Experiences of Municipal Staff

  While municipal staff continue to express pride and enthusiasm for their work and the positive impacts of local government administration, incivility and harassment in municipal workspaces are a growing trend. This session delves into key findings from the AMCTO 2025 Harassment and Incivility Survey – unpacking real reports of municipal staff experiences with harassment and incivility within a specific snapshot in time.

  Join us to learn more about the results and to discuss options and opportunities to help support one another and the broader municipal sector. 

  Presented by:

  David Arbuckle, MPA
  Executive Director, AMCTO

  Alana Del Greco, AMP, Dipl.M.A.
  Manager, Policy & Government Relations, AMCTO

  Charlotte Caza
  Policy Advisor, AMCTO

• 3:35pm - Closing Remarks & Adjournment

• 8:30am - Morning Moderator - Welcome

  Kayla Thibeault, CMO, AOMC 
  Director of Legislative Services/Clerk, Town of Gravenhurst 
  Zone 5 Board Director 

• 8:35am - Dealing with Council

  Session details coming soon!

• 9:45am - Psychological Safety & De-escalation

  Session details coming soon!

  Presented by:

  Jamie Boyle
  Chief Positivity Officer, Town of Newmarket

• 10:55am - Leadership in Action: Cultivating Civility and Strengthening Skills in the Workplace

  Leadership is demonstrated in the choices we make — especially when facing challenges like workplace incivility. The practical steps shared in this session will empower you as leaders to intentionally choose civility, set a positive example, and foster a respectful environment for your teams. By acting thoughtfully and deliberately, you reinforce the values of strong leadership in every decision you make.

  As the closing session of the Forum, this discussion will help strengthen connections between the Forum topics and your workplace experiences; explore what strong leadership looks like in the face of incivility; and share tips and strategies you can bring back and implement right away in your day-to-day work.

  Presented by: 

  Sandra Lowe
  Consultant & Executive Coach, Lowe Strategy Consulting Inc.

• 11:55am - Closing Remarks & Adjournment

  Presenter:

  David Arbuckle, MPA –Executive Director, AMCTO