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.
Civic Ontario is the voice of Ontario CAOs, DCAOs, and Aspiring CAOs. We advocate for solutions that contribute to municipal good governance and support CAOs in their professional management role.
For inquiries or policy ideas please contact policy@civicontario.ca
Advocacy Pillars
The Association has defined five broad ethical pillars that guide our approaches to advocacy and related matters:
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 outlines the public-policy objectives approved by Civic Ontario’s Board of Directors on behalf of its members. Staff will dedicate appropriate time and resources to advancing these priorities:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Municipal Act should clearly define the role of the CAO and how this role contributes to municipal good governance in Ontario.
Initiatives by Topic
- Top 10 Ways Mayors & Councils can support their CAO Practical ways mayors and councils can provide support, build trust, and create the conditions for effective leadership and administration.
- Time, Thresholds, and Trust: Improving the Municipal Accountability Act, Submission to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy 3 July 2025
- Strong Mayor Extension Registry Posting 16 April 2025
- Good Governance at the Local Government Level Requires CAO Role Certainty in the Municipal Act
Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan
Vision
Civic Ontario stands at the summit of integrity and influence in public sector leadership--empowering executives to embody courage, inspire trust, and drive transformation so that Ontario's communities thrive under leaders worthy of the challenges of our time.
Mission
Grounded in courage, anchored in service, and powered by community, Civic Ontario stands as the driving force of public sector leadership in Ontario--empowering executives through bold programming, focused collaboration, and transformative learning that builds purpose, resilience, and enduring impact across the communities they serve.
Read about our six primary objectives in our strategic plan.
CAO / Executive Leadership Reports
These reports are offered here to share valuable knowledge, support peer learning, and advance professional standards in local government.
CAO Education and Career Trajectories in Ontario by Thomas Thayer (Local Government Program, University of Western Ontario, 2025). This report finds that as municipal government reacts to its parent legislation and becomes increasingly complex, CAOs are required to have a greater degree of education and experience to not only manage highly-qualified staff but to ensure that information is provided in a digestible, competent manner to councils. Other important discoveries about the demographic, educational, and professional backgrounds of Ontario's CAOs are contained herein.