The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.

Focused specifically on diverse candidates, this 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot.

Facilitated by former municipal Councillors Steve Anderson and Jasvinder Sandhu, you will be taken through:

• What to expect running as a diverse candidate 
• Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
• Understand what it takes to become a candidate
• Identifying your target audience,
• Developing effective messaging and branding, 
• Utilizing community engagement practices to enhance visibility and support.
• And more!

Dates:

• December 3, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
• February 4, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
• April 8, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am

Registration: $50 +HST

Register here for December 2025

Register here for February 2026 or April 2026

Presenters:

• Steve Anderson:

Steve is the former Deputy Mayor for the Town of Shelburne and Councillor for the County of Dufferin. During his time in politics, Steve was identified by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) as a “Municipal Trailblazer.” In addition, Steve is a Senior practicing litigation lawyer with over 20 years of experience with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) where he has received several awards for his distinguished service. Steve was recently appointed by the Federal government to serve in the role of Deputy Administrator for Ship and Rail Compensation Canada.

• Jasvinder Sandhu

Jasvinder is a former Councillor for the Town of Oakville, having served from 2018-2022. During her time in politics, she was a member of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) youth engagement advisory board, and she currently serves as the Chair of the Healthy Democracy Project at AMO.
In her professional life, she is a expert Rising Star Top 40 under 40 Finalist and a seasoned employment lawyer with 15 years of practice experience, licensed in both the United States and Canada.