Municipal Monday

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.