In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh is joined by Dr. Kathleen Parewick, Community Collaboration and Development Officer with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. Titled Municipalities and Climate Change, the conversation looks at the critical role communities play in responding to a changing climate. Kathleen shares insight from years of working alongside towns and councils across the province, highlighting the challenges they face and the innovative ways they are adapting. From flooding and erosion to infrastructure planning and emergency response, this episode brings a grounded, local lens to one of the biggest global issues of our time.
In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh chats with Brad Power, Director of Programs at Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. Titled Emerging Technology Trends for the Municipal Sector, the conversation explores how new tools and digital solutions are reshaping the way towns operate. From artificial intelligence to data-driven decision making, Brad breaks down what’s on the horizon and what it could mean for councils, staff, and residents. With a practical lens and a deep understanding of local government, he shares examples, insights, and ideas for how municipalities can embrace technology to work smarter and serve better.
In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh speaks with Nicole Keiley, Deputy Mayor of Mount Pearl. Titled Accessibility and Municipalities, the conversation looks at how towns and cities can create spaces, services, and policies that work for everyone. Nicole shares her perspective on the importance of accessibility in municipal planning, from public buildings and sidewalks to programs and events. Drawing on her experience in local government, she offers practical examples and thoughtful insights on how communities can remove barriers, foster inclusion, and ensure that all residents can participate fully in civic life.
In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh sits down with Craig Westcott, Editor of The Shoreline newspaper. Titled Reporting on Municipal Issues and the Importance of Local Press, the conversation digs into the vital role community journalism plays in keeping residents informed and councils accountable. Craig shares stories from his career covering municipal politics, the challenges facing local media, and why strong, independent reporting matters now more than ever. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for telling the stories that shape our towns, he offers a candid look at how local press strengthens democracy at the community level.
In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh sits down with Dawn Chaplin, Eastern Regional Manager with the Department of Municipal Affairs and Community Engagement. Titled Running for Office and Holding Elections: The Legislative Perspective, the conversation explores what the law says and what it means for candidates, councils, and communities during election season. From nomination papers to voter eligibility, Dawn breaks down the rules that keep things fair, transparent, and consistent across the province. With her deep experience in the field, she shares practical guidance, timely reminders, and a clear sense of how legislation supports strong local democracy.
In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh sits down with Danny Breen, Mayor of St. John’s, to talk about Leading in a City. From big-picture strategy to neighbourhood-level needs, Danny reflects on what it means to guide the province’s largest municipality, the importance of collaboration, and how city leadership can ripple out across an entire region.
Dr. Deatra Walsh is joined by Rudy Norman, Mayor of Burlington, for a heartfelt conversation on Leading in a Small Town. Rudy shares stories from his time on council, the weight of wearing many hats, and how deep community roots can shape both the challenges and the joys of municipal leadership in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh chats with Rob Nolan, CEO of MNL, about what it takes to run for council in the place you call home. From knocking on doors to finding your voice, Campaigning in Your Community explores the unique dynamics of local elections and offers practical insight for anyone thinking about putting their name on the ballot.
In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh sits down with Yvonne Jones—former MP, former MHA, and author of the new memoir Just Around the Corner—for a conversation titled Municipal Politics as a Stepping-Stone. Yvonne reflects on how her time in municipal government shaped her path to provincial and federal politics, the lessons she learned at the local level, and why she believes municipal councils are the heart of community leadership. It’s a story of grit, growth, and finding purpose close to home.
In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh welcomes Craig Pollett, CEO of Pollett Strategy, for a timely and important conversation titled Addressing Incivility. From council chambers to comment sections, incivility is on the rise—and it’s taking a toll on local leaders and the democratic process. Craig shares his perspective on where this behaviour comes from, how it affects municipal governance, and what we can do to create a more respectful and constructive culture in our communities.
In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh is joined by Colin Corcoran of the Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador for a candid conversation titled Governance Versus Operations. Together, they unpack one of the most common tensions in municipal life—where council’s role ends and staff’s role begins. With clarity, humour, and real-world examples, Colin helps demystify the divide and offers practical tips for building strong, respectful working relationships in local government.
In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh chats with Brad Hefford, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Gander. Titled Let’s Talk Policy, the conversation dives into how policy shapes the everyday work of councils and staff, why good governance matters, and how clear, thoughtful policy can turn big ideas into lasting change. Brad brings practical insight, a few stories from the field, and a fresh take on what it means to lead behind the scenes.
In the premiere episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh sits down with MNL President Amy Coady to talk about what draws people into municipal politics—and what keeps them there. From her own journey in public service to the barriers that still hold people back, Amy offers honest reflections on leadership, representation, and why making your mark matters now more than ever.
