POLITICAL ACUMEN TOOLKIT:
CASE STUDIES

The following case studies have been compiled from CAOs across Canada on a variety of political acumen topics. These stories reflect key learnings from the Political Acumen Toolkit and provide further insight into the role political acumen plays in the day-to-day dealings of local government as well as how to use your acuity to deal with unexpected situations. Each case study has been linked to one or more sections of the toolkit where you can learn more about each of the topics covered.

Case Studies

Building Rapport with a New Council
Location: Nova Scotia
Topics Covered: Council & CAO Relationship, Council Changeover

Conflict of Interest in Council
Location: Prince Edward Island
Topics Covered: Council Ethics

Council Allegations Against Mayor
Location: Ontario
Topics Covered: Council Ethics, Council & Staff Relationships

Council Divide
Location: Ontario
Topics Covered: Council Ethics, Council & CAO Relationship

Council-Staff Relations
Location: Nova Scotia
Topics Covered: Council Ethics, Council & Staff Relationships

Disclosure of Confidential Information
Location: Ontario
Topics Covered: Council Ethics, Council & CAO Relationship

Falsified Expense Account
Location: Quebec
Topics Covered: Council Ethics, Council & CAO Relationship, Provincial & Federal Relations, Managing Media Relationships

Intermunicipal Economic Collaboration
Location: Saskatchewan
Topics Covered: Intermunicipal Relations

Intermunicipal Recreation Agreement
Location: Alberta
Topics Covered: Intermunicipal Relations

Managing Election Turnover
Location: Alberta
Topics Covered: Council & CAO Relationship, Council Changeover

Managing Media During a Crisis
Location: Saskatchewan
Topics Covered: Media

Mayor Intimidation
Location: British Columbia
Topics Covered: Council Ethics, Council & CAO Relationship

Media Relations Training
Location: Alberta
Topics Covered: Media

Persuasion from Ratepayers
Location: New Brunswick
Topics Covered: Council Ethics, Council & Staff Relationships, Resident & Ratepayer Associations

Setting Intermunicipal Precedence
Location: Alberta
Topics Covered: Collaborating on Intermunicipal Services

Stakeholder Perception
Location: Alberta
Topics Covered: Council & CAO Relationship, Public Engagement

Unethical Dismissal
Location: British Columbia
Topics Covered: Council Ethics, Council & CAO Relationship, Council & Staff Relationships

Union Negotiations
Location: Alberta
Topics Covered: Council Ethics, Resident & Ratepayer Associations, Media

• Mentorship
  • Building a Mentor/Mentee Relationship
  • The Role of a Mentor
  • The Role of a Mentee
  • Mentorship & Political Acumen
• Case Studies
• References
• Additional Resources