Continuing & Professional Education

Public Sector

Students will learn to compare and contrast the features of the local government systems across Canada, examine internal governing structures along with some of the key responsibilities of local government, and assess future challenges and prospects. Local governments will be placed within Canada's federal system and will trace the foundations of the systems and their evolution through various reforms and restructuring.

This course provides a basic understanding of public and local government finance. The course discusses the changing role and size of government, the budget process, issues relating to alternative service delivery, sources of revenue for local governments, fiscal relations among governments in Canada, and strategic financial thinking.

Provides an introduction to the provincial and federal laws that affect municipalities. Topics addressed include the election and operation of council; drafting, enacting and enforcing bylaws; reasons for bylaw validity, municipal contracts and tendering, and municipal liability.

Provides an introduction to the profession of public administration with the emphasis on the local level. The relationships among principal actors involved in local governance will be examined, and students will explore the self-knowledge required for administrative practice in local administration.

Examines theories of individual behaviour and leadership within local government organizations. In particular, the focus will be on management in the public sector, theories of leadership, council/staff roles and relationships, the structures and culture of local government organizations, notions of motivation in the public sector, the empowerment of staff, and organizational change.

Provides an introduction to the history, theories, and key concepts relevant for the appropriate administration of access and privacy legislation. Access and privacy concepts and principles are examined using federal, provincial, and municipal legislation. All course materials and readings will be made available online via eClass.

Introduces the financial, organizational, and political implications of public financial management practices. One of the major focuses is the budget process and understanding the elements of a budget in a public sector context. Other topics examined include costs of service delivery, elements of alternative service delivery, and how to monitor service delivery performance. Some techniques used for long-term decision-making are also introduced.

Explores challenges facing local governments in attracting, developing, and retaining the personnel needed to serve citizens. The focus is primarily on human resource functions, personnel relationships, and provides practical insight into how to be an "employer of choice."

Provides basic knowledge of local government accounting practices, budget preparation, and importance of records for accounting, control and auditing of public records. The difference between local government accounting practices and general accounting are also examined.

Provides local government administrators with an understanding of the processes of assessment and property taxation. Students will also examine other topics such as the role and characteristics of the property tax, elements of assessment techniques, tax rate setting, property tax relief and reform, and the economic effects of property taxes.

Provides a brief introduction to land use planning theory, law, and processes. Environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainability will be discussed using an integrated framework of various forms of community capital. Students will also examine governance and decision-making through the perspective of sustainability.

Knowing how to initiate, lead, and manage successful change initiatives is valuable for leaders at all levels. Topics may include: change theories and models; change management strategies; initiating and implementing change; and organizational and individual learning associated with change experiences.