Are you a member of a municipal council or perhaps an administrator or manager who works for a municipality? Do you strive to provide public programs and services that make your community and province a better place? Are there times when you struggle with how to get it all done and how to make the best use of everyone’s time and talents? If so, the Municipal Sector Governance Program (MS.Gov) can give you the insights, knowledge and understanding to govern your municipality, or provide support and advice to your elected, with confidence.

Program Overview

The Municipal Sector Governance Program is delivered through a combination of online study, including engaging videos and interactive activities which you can work through at your own pace, and live webinar sessions that connect you with experienced facilitators and your peers to explore the training topics as they relate to your governance experience.

Join us to become a certified Municipal Sector Governor and earn the Municipal Sector Governance designation (MS.Gov) upon successful completion of the course and exam!

Quick Facts

Looking for answers to some of your key questions? We have you covered.

Program Type Workshop-based program
Program Length 3, half-day sessions. Pre-work is sent out a week in advance of the live session.
Start Date Details of the relaunch of this program as an asynchronous offering will be available October 2025.
Registration Deadline Registration is open until the program is filled.
Program Cost $1,800 per person (Exam and certification included)
Location Online. This program is delivered through live and interactive webinars. Pre-work is sent out a week in advance of the live session.

Core Learning Outcomes

Throughout the program, you will be exposed to key teachings related to governance, roles and responsibilities, resource stewardship, and more. Below is a brief outline of the three half-day sessions.

Setting the Context Effective Governance The Keys to Success
  • The what and why of municipal governance
  • Legal and legislative matters
  • Setting direction
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Monitoring and reporting
  • Financial stewardship
  • Infrastructure stewardship
  • Risk management
  • Liability and conflict of interest
  • Council and organizational culture
  • Mitigating decision biases
  • Putting it all together

By the end of the program, you will be well equipped to:

  • Understand what is governance and the important nuances experienced in municipal sector governance
  • Understand roles and responsibilities of the Council within the areas of Setting Direction and Monitoring & Reporting
  • Ask important questions and gain the necessary understanding to provide oversight of financial, infrastructure, and human resources stewardship, including the duty of care and fiduciary duty of Council members
  • Deal with issues of risk and mitigation at the Council level
  • Feel confident on legislative matters and issues of liability and conflict of interest
  • Make informed decisions, establish and maintain a positive culture, and mitigate biases

Program Facilitators

The Municipal Sector Governance Program is being facilitated by:

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Participant Testimonials

"I appreciate the high level of commitment to offering the Municipal Governance Course virtually to rural and remote Municipal Councils. The course information is excellent and gives an in-depth understanding of what governance means to elected officials."

Mayor Nancy Schneider, Town of St. Walburg 

"The learning experience throughout the ms.gov program is tremendous. The depth and experience of the instructors, as well as the interaction with peers from across the province, provide invaluable insight and tools for municipal leaders. The online format worked very well and provided excellent space for conversation because the instructors provided thorough pre-read material."

Jeff Richards, Councillor, City of Weyburn 

"The Municipal Governance Program facilitators teach, through comprehensive experience and diverse knowledge, the fundamental concepts necessary for successful leadership. The program reinforces the importance of understanding the roles and responsibilities of municipal governance. Every municipal leader should engage in this learning opportunity!"

Lorna Benson, Administrator, RM of Canwood

Contact Us

For more information on the Municipal Sector Governance Program, please contact js_training@usask.ca