The Federation of P.E.I. Municipalities is teaming up with the provincial government on plans to deliver a thorough, full-day orientation for new councillors and mayors after the fall municipal election.

Satya Sen, the executive director of the federation, says there should be “comprehensive” orientation programs for first-time mayors and councillors.

Sen said an in-person orientation, provided by the federation and P.E.I. government together, would be beneficial to new officials and help lift up smaller municipalities who may not have the time or money to carry out their own training.

Why not right? If we can eliminate any confusion, that creates a workplace that everyone can harmoniously evolve and work together.– Nick Cameron, Summerside councillor

“We are planning around end of November to have a big orientation here in Charlottetown, where we would get all the elected councillors and mayors to come join us for a session on municipal governance,” he said.

“We’re trying to get some experts from outside the province to come and talk to them about municipal governance and how councils should conduct themselves while executing their duties as councillors.”

How exactly that orientation would look is being worked out, but Sen said the goal would be to cover a range of topics like what is expected of councillors, what they have the power to do (and not do) and much more.

WATCH | Presentation on Roles and Responsibilities of Municipal Council:

The more training the better, councillor says

Nick Cameron has been on Summerside council for three years and said he had great training from city staff.

But not every municipality has the resources to get new officials trained up quickly. He said more thorough training from the province would be great at helping all new mayors and councillors.

“Why not right? If we can eliminate any confusion, that creates a workplace that everyone can harmoniously evolve and work together,” he said.

“I’d be very supportive if the province had a more mandatory training that came from it.”

What would be beneficial for the orientation this fall, he said, is a deeper breakdown of the Municipal Government Act.

“That clearly defines, you know, what our direct roles and responsibilities are and what we are able to do and what we’re not able to do as well,” Cameron said.

“I think that’s important to understand fully that we should be doing and should not be doing.”

Province reviewing, updating training materials

Right now, government has some lessons available, which introduce people to how councils work, but they aren’t mandatory.

Though, the Code of Conduct training is mandatory for councillors and mayors.

“They need training around what a municipal government is, how the council functions, realistic expectations, what is their roles and responsibility, role clarity between the council and the CAO,” Sen said, adding he doesn’t believe it needs to be mandatory unless the Municipal Government Act is overhauled.

“A good orientation will yield the same result for P.E.I.”

In a statement, the province’s Department of Housing and Communities says its reviewing and updating training materials for the election this fall.

Training helps set councils up for success from day one.– Department of Housing and Communities

It’s also working with the federation to come up with the orientation program, as well as more training for those who may miss it.

“To increase accessibility, the department also plans to host a series of shorter, in person training sessions across the Island in early 2027 for individuals who may not be able to attend a full day orientation,” a spokesperson with the province said.

“At any time, municipalities may request a condensed orientation session, such as roles and responsibilities training for councils and staff.”

Government is also updating the Local Governance Resource Handbook, which will release after the election.

“Strong local leadership starts with a clear understanding of legislation, roles, and best practices,” the province said. “Training helps set councils up for success from day one.”