GRM809 - Municipal Government Relations

Subject Title
Municipal Government Relations

Subject Description
Often ignored, the municipal level of government continues to grow in size and importance across Canada. Unlike both the federal and provincial systems, most municipal governments tend not to involve party structures, allowing individual Councillors to act as they see fit, issue to issue. The unique policy and decision-making structure of municipal government requires an active, involved, and nimble government relations approach.
Integrating lectures, guest presentations, research and direct exposure to policy making in Canada's largest municipal environment, this course will introduce students to the dynamic structure and processes of municipal government. Key access points and the political and bureaucratic decision-making streams will be identified and described. Strategy, tactics, and the use of the most effective GR tools will be introduced analyzed and applied in both group and individual course work.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.Understand key decision-making structures in municipal government;
2. Learn to access basic municipal background information to aid in issue research;
3. Understand the key difference between Municipal GR and GR at the Provincial and Federal
    levels of government;
4. Select the most effective GR strategies and tactics for successful Municipal GR;
5. Learn to prepare draft motions and briefing notes;
6. Learn the ethical requirements for lobbying at the Municipal level in Ontario;
7. Exercise presentation and group work skills;
8. Develop a professional attitude to class work and responsibilities.

Academic Integrity
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Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
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Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

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