President: Grant Hood Senior Administrative Officer, Town of Inuvik

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1 A N N UA L R E P O R T M E S S A G E F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T This past year was marked by some challenges in the LGANT office due to unexpected staff absences and turnover requiring more hands-on involvement by the Board of Directors and remaining staff. This extra work and support enabled the LGANT office to continue providing member services and active engagement with LGANT partners. I am proud to report that despite the challenges LGANT faced early in the year, two new funding agreements were negotiated with MACA to sustain the Association for the next three years. In addition LGANT received one time funding from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development to conduct a pilot project for enhancing human resource management capacity at the local government level, but also within the LGANT office to support local governments in undertaking this work. Our membership continued to be almost 33STRONG with only two regular members not maintaining current membership, while the number of Associate Members increased bringing the total Association membership to 51! The LGANT Board and Executive Director have started implementation of the Business Plan, which is based on the Strategic Plan forming the basis for funding agreements with MACA for LGANT continues to work with sister organizations across the country and participate in national meetings and events. These engagements offer many networking and mutual learning opportunities connecting participants and offering opportunities for exchange on the rewards and challenges of the LGA profession. On the home front LGANT continued to offer member services and lead several projects under the Public Sector Capacity Initiative for B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S President: Grant Hood Senior Administrative Officer, Town of Inuvik Vice President: Larry Baran Senior Administrative Officer (SAO), Community Government of Whati Treasurer: Dennis Kefalas City Administrator, City of Yellowknife Director (at large): Ruby Jumbo Senior Administrative Officer, Sambaa K'e Dene Band Director: (Group B) Bill Bennett Senior Administrative Officer, Hamlet of Ulukhaktok Director (Group A): Vacant, previously Dean Pickering Senior Administrative Officer, Village of Fort Simpson Ex-Officio Director: Sara Brown Chief Executive Officer, NWTAC Community Governments including career promotion and the development of a Pool of Professionals. LGANT continues to have an effective and productive working relationship with our main funder, Municipal & Community Affairs, and with another strong partner organization; the NWTAC. LGANT members and staff have participated in various working groups over the past fiscal year to advance a common goal to strengthen community governments throughout the NWT. With solid member participation, effective coordination and cooperation with key partner agencies, and secure funding, LGANT is well-positioned to continue advancing our strategic objectives for future success and increased sustainability. Grant Hood, President

2 O P E R AT I O N A L R E P O R T B Y T H E E X E C U T I V E D I R EC TO R was the second year of the implementation of LGANT s Business Plan following the Strategic Plan The Strategic Priorities continue to guide the day-to-day operations and provide a vision for LGANT s future development. The Five Strategic Priorities of the Plan are: 1. Governance 2. Sustainable Operations 3. Membership 4. Career Development and Education 5. Partnerships The strategic planning principles used by LGANT are now carried forward into its implementation, operational activities and business planning as our multi-year funding agreements will come to an end in March 31, 2017: 1. The LGANT Strategic Plan is the roadmap for allocating fiscal and human resources to focus on activities which will achieve LGANT s vision and mission. 2. LGANT seeks broad involvement from stakeholders in the development and during the implementation of its Strategic Plan. 3. LGANT establishes goals that are realistic in relation to its resources and capacity and based on needs, mandates and challenges faced by local government administrators in the NWT. These goals will provide the basis for assessing LGANT s effectiveness. 4. LGANT will communicate with all stakeholders offering transparency and accountability and report progress on the achievement of its strategic priorities. V I S I O N LGANT is recognized for its excellence in providing support and professional development for Community Officers in the Northwest Territories. M I S S I O N The mission of the Association is to strive for and promote excellence and professionalism in the field of local government administration in the Northwest Territories through education and career development programs and to create awareness of the Community Officer s role in the community. C O R E V A L U E S In pursuing its vision and mission, LGANT is guided by four core values: Sustainability: We value the importance of having a sustainable organization to serve the needs of a diverse membership. Service to members: We value service to all members that is respectful, responsive, knowledgeable and accountable. Leadership: We value ethical behaviour and foster excellence, cooperation and partnership as well as promote the professional role of the Local Government Administrator. Adaptability: We value adaptability to help us achieve the best results for our members. I M P L E M E N TAT I O N O F T H E LG A N T B U S I N E S S P L A N The LGANT Business Plan follows its Strategic Plan in its priorities, goals and objectives. The Plan is intended to include an annual Operational Implementation and Action Plan that follows established Success Indicators. In addition, this core document identifies future opportunities and obstacles to overcome. Refer to the Business Plan document for complete details posted in the Planning and Reporting section of LGANT s website. 1 ST S T R A T E G I C P R I O R I T Y : G O V E R N A N C E LGANT aims to be governed by an active and dynamic board which models excellence in board governance. This priority links to staff-council relationships as out of this relationship comes the need for governance education, including council orientation which should involve the Local Government Administrator and their professional organization, LGANT. This also links to one of the constitutional objectives of the Society: to promote the role of the local government administrator in the community. (Continued on next page) Page Annual Report October 2015

3 I M P L E M E N TAT I O N O F T H E LG A N T B U S I N E S S P L A N (Continued from previous page) 2 ND S T R A T E G I C P R I O R I T Y : S U S T A I N A B L E O P E R A T I O N S LGANT has limited revenue generating opportunities in the NWT and its reliance on contribution funding from one major funder (MACA) is vulnerability. LGANT seeks a more sustainable operation with reliable and ongoing core funding to support a planning framework meeting goals and objectives, and member expectations with acquiring resources and setting priorities. This strategic priority can be complemented by member contributions to the organization s activities, participation in networking and professional exchanges, and further supported by the use of best practices and partnerships. 3 RD S T R A T E G I C P R I O R I T Y : M E M B E R S H I P LGANT, a as service-driven organization which supports members through a range of services that adapt to arising challenges in the field of local government administration, LGANT aims to work in partnership with other professional organizations and public/private sector organizations to implement its priority goals and to foster understanding for its mission and to build partnerships. To further support these priorities, LGANT seeks to grow a broader membership that includes local government professionals other that the Senior Officer and other key stakeholders. Given the continued challenge of recruitment and retention in some key local government positions, LGANT always looks for opportunities to assist its members with these Human Resources challenges. 4 TH S T R A T E G I C P R I O R I T Y : C A R E E R D E V E L O P M E N T A N D E D U C A T I O N This priority links directly to the society s mission and several of its strategic objectives. A key priority is for LGANT to continue offering quality professional development sessions at its annual conference/agm. To further address this priority area, LGANT seeks professional development opportunities for its members based on member needs and interests determined through learning and training needs surveys of local government administrators. MACA s role and commitment to training and occupational certification for community government occupation makes collaboration a strategic priority for LGANT. This collaboration further strengthens planning and delivery of effective and relevant training programs. 5 TH S T R A T E G I C P R I O R I T Y : P A R T N E R S H I P S Strong working relationships with key partners such as the GNWT, MACA, the NWTAC, other provincial/territorial LGA professional associations are a prerequisite for being able to effectively implement many of LGANT s strategic priorities. Continuing to build on existing partnerships and foster new partnerships including federal and Aboriginal governments and organizations remains a high priority. Maintaining existing partnerships and establishing new working relationships will only enhance LGANT s sustainability and potential for growth. H I G H L I G H T S F O R F I S C A L Y E A R / Collaborate with MACA and NWTAC on tri-partite activities. Completion of first draft of project report on the review and revision of Local Government Administrators (LGA) Essentials Workshop student and instructor handbooks. Participation with MACA on candidate selection for the Advancing Local Government Administrators Program (ALGAP). Maintain LGANT booth on promoting careers in local government in several career and job fairs in various NWT communities and the University of Alberta. Represent LGANT at the NWTAC and CAMA Annual General Meetings. Completion of review of human resource management templates produced under the HR Downloads project. October Annual Report Page 3

4 S TAT E M E N T O F F I N A N C I A L O P E R AT I O N S REVENUES Government of the Northwest Territories $ 370,000 $ 316,264 $ 403,716 Government of Canada AANDC 47,500 47,500 - AGM sponsorships & Registrations 15,000 11,800 17,525 Membership dues 10,750 10,750 10,750 Interest income 1, ,406 EXPENSES OTHER EXPENSE For the year ended March 31, 2015 (Restated) 2014 Budget 2014 Actual 2013 Actual 444, , ,397 Advertising & Promotion 1,000 4, Amortization - 1, Annual general meeting 10,000 15,286 9,767 Auditor fees 9,000 8,456 8,144 Bank charges Bookkeeping fees 3,000 5,411 3,161 Bursaries 4,000 4,000 2,904 Insurance 1,000 1, Membership fees Office supplies and other 6,000 5,361 7,320 Professional development 2, ,800 Rent 16,800 17,220 8,610 Salaries & Benefits 128, , ,380 Special Projects External (note 10) 237, , ,716 Telephone 3,000 2,368 2,961 Travel Board 14,000 9,180 11,338 Travel CAMA Conference 8,000 5,191 6,272 Travel Executive Director 4,000 1,531 4,237 Website 3,000 2,238 3, , , ,622 (DEFICIENCY) EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER EXPENSES FROM OPERATIONS (7,500) (862) 8,775 Writedown of capital assets - - 3,635 (DEFICIENCY) EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER EXPENSES $ (7,500) $ (862) $ 5,140 Page Annual Report October 2015

5 L G A N T P R O P O S E D B U D G E T October Annual Report Page 5

6 L G A N T M E M B E R P R O G R A M S A N D S E R V I C E S A network of professionals and access to an experienced community of practice Information, a calendar of events and direct links to the widest range of professional development, training and learning opportunities as well as post-secondary education for careers in community government An annual Professional Development Conference and AGM offering workshops and sessions relevant to the profession (scale of conference only possible through additional support from the PSCICG) Free job advertising and bidding opportunities on LGANT s website CAMA Bursary Program which provides financial assistance for a regular member to attend the annual Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators Conference LGANT members have opportunities to get involved and help shape the future of LGANT and the profession of Local Government Administrators in the NWT Website and offering the following: the most extensive training, education and professional development listing relevant to community governments in the NWT, news relevant to LGAs and local governments, information on programs and funding, a document library containing bylaws, policies, best practices, job descriptions, interview question banks, templates, tools, links to sister organizations across Canada, an exclusive member section and more Facilitation of communication with, to, and between members Liaison with partner and sister organizations and the GNWT, in particular with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs Representation at interagency working groups Working towards LGANT s mission to strive and promote excellence and professionalism in the field of local government administration in the Northwest Territories through education and career development programs and to create awareness of the Senior Administrative Officer s role in the community Assistance with peer networking through member and community listings updates. Support and travel subsidy for members to attend the Annual Conference and AGM Exclusive member access to Human Resource Services through HR Downloads Inc., providing HR tools, forms, policy templates and best practices supported by an Account Manager who looks after LGANT members - documents and services are customized for NWT use available on demand through login access for LGANT members An automatic link of job advertising to the national CivicJobs.ca website An Awards of Excellence program for members in recognition of demonstrated excellence and professionalism in local government administration Promotion of NWT Community Government career and employment opportunities at career fairs and trade shows Communication of community government capacity building initiatives and needs through stakeholder and member engagement, production of information, exhibition and public relations material and website updates and maintenance (on lgant.com and 33strong.ca) Creation and maintenance of the LGA WIKI and Handbook as a foundational information tool for SAOs Page Annual Report October 2015

7 L G A N T B O A R D O F D I R E C TO R S Grant Hood - President Grant has served as SAO for Inuvik since July Prior to that, he worked for 35 years primarily in the High-Tech Industry in Calgary and held senior management positions for much of that time. Grant came to Inuvik with no municipal experience but he quickly saw he could rely on a patient and understanding Council and a dedicated staff to lead an effective municipal operation. Grant earned his designation as a Certified Management Accountant in 2003 and recently received a Master s Certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University. He has been President of LGANT for four years, and also serves his community as a volunteer. Grant is Treasurer of the Inuvik Curling Club and served on the Board of the Inuvik Homeless Shelter Society. He is also an Internationally Certified Softball umpire who has umpired in two world championships and the Pan American Games, and he was Umpire in Chief for Softball NWT for 3 years until retiring recently. Larry Baran Vice President Larry s career in community government started in the 1970s as an entry-level position in Salmon Arm, B.C. In the early 1980s, Larry moved to Whitehorse to become the city s first Manager of Information Systems. After 13 years in Whitehorse, Larry moved to Alberta to start a career as a Local Government Administrator in several tax-based communities in Alberta. Since April 2011, Larry has served as the SAO for Whatì but as of October 1 st he transitions into the role of Deputy SAO. Larry will continue as a mentor for Lisa Nitsiza who assumes the SAO role after graduating from the ALGAP program. Larry will remain in Whatì until March 31 st, to assist with the transition and to complete several projects he has been involved with from the onset. Dennis Kefalas Treasurer Dennis is a registered professional engineer who first came north in During his time as a consulting engineer Dennis had the opportunity to work throughout the NWT, which at that time included Nunavut. He has worked along the Mackenzie Valley, as far north as Prince Patrick Island, as far south as Fort Smith, and as far east as Pangnirtung. After a brief time in Ottawa, Dennis returned north in 2002 to work for the City of Yellowknife. At first Dennis was the Manager of Engineering & Public Works but he progressed through the organization until he was appointed SAO in Bill Bennett Director Bill was raised and educated in the Northwest Territories. After receiving a Diploma in Public Administration, Bill joined the GNWT and worked in various positions in the departments of Personal, Executive and Municipal & Community Affairs. After his employment with the GNWT, he moved to local government administration and worked as a Senior Administrative Officer across the North including Nunavut. While in Uluhaktok, Bill received his Senior Administrative Officer certification. In addition to serving on the LGANT Board of Directors, Bill is also a member of the Volunteer Fire Department. Ruby Jumbo - Director Ruby has been the Band Manager/SAO for Sambaa K e Dene Band since Ruby was born and raised in the north and left to pursue her education in the south. She has a Management Diploma from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) Certification (equivalent to 3 rd Level CGA) from the Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of Canada (AFOA). In addition to being a member of the LGANT Board of Directors, Ruby is a representative of AFOA s NWT Chapter and the Deh Cho Business Development Centre. Sara Brown - NWTAC CEO Ex-Officio Member Sara was raised in Yellowknife and started her career in construction and consulting working with communities. She took her first job as a Municipal Engineer and then SAO in Iqaluit almost 20 years ago. Sara has dealt with the varied issues facing communities as a Manager of Engineering, Director of Public Works and By-law with a number of communities throughout Ontario and Alberta before returning to the NWT as SAO for Inuvik. She is now Chief Executive Officer of the NWTAC and is enjoying focusing on the issues that are important to NWT communities and working to assist them as much as possible. October Annual Report Page 7

8 N E W S F R O M T H E LG A N T O F F I C E Former LGANT Vice President Larry Baran, shown here leading a discussion at the 2014 Professional Development Conference, stepped down from the LGANT Board of Directors as of October 1st, 2015 when he passed the torch as Whati SAO to Lisa Nitsiza and took on the role of Deputy SAO. Thanks Larry for all of your dedicated hard work on behalf of LGANT! LGANT s office suite offers a complimentary work space with wireless connection for visiting SAOs or other Associate Members. If you have time while in Yellowknife, please stop by to say hello and take advantage of our Members Workspace if you need to access the internet, use your laptop, print documents, or just need a quiet place to sit and read. We are conveniently located a few doors behind the Northwest Tower on the second floor of the Fiddles & Stix Music Building. We are always interested in having you drop in. We want to hear from you; our members feedback is important to us! Staff (up to end of fiscal year 2014/15): Executive Director, Regina Pfeifer Program Coordinator, Annette Hastie Communications and Member Outreach Coordinator, Brad Heath, information@lgant.com LGANT office contacts remain the same: Phone: Fax: s: information@lgant.com Annette Hastie was the Program Coordinator in 2014/15 and Brad Heath was the Communications and Member Outreach Coordinator. Both of these LGANT staff are long-term northerners with NWT experience in the municipal and public sector. They showed their commitment to LGANT in this reporting period by assuming responsibility for planning and logistics to make the 2014 Conference possible. Their good work was appreciated by the Board of Directors, especially because it was recognized they responded to the needs to manage preparations for the professional development conference on short notice. Please stay in touch, participate, contribute and help make LGANT YOUR professional organization! Page Annual Report October 2015