GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NL – College of the North Atlantic (CNA), Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL), and Professional Municipal Administrators (PMA) have renewed their commitment to working together with signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
This second iteration of the partnership builds on the success of the original agreement signed in 2018, formalizing a long-standing collaborative relationship between the three organizations to support municipalities through training, entrepreneurship, applied research, and innovation.
Heidi Staeben-Simmons, CNA’s Associate Vice President of Public Affairs and Advancement, underscores the provincial scope of the partnership.
"CNA is deeply committed to working with municipalities in every corner of Newfoundland and Labrador,” she said, noting municipalities hire CNA graduates in every aspect of their operations, from heavy equipment operators to office administrators. “Through this partnership, we’ve been able to extend our reach into communities large and small, providing essential training, research opportunities, and student expertise."
Staeben-Simmons added CNA is proud to continue working together with MNL and PMA to foster innovation and growth in the municipal sector, an objective MNL shares.
“We are pleased to continue the great working relationship that Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador has with College of the North Atlantic,” said Amy Coady, MNL President. “This ongoing partnership has already provided so many great benefits to the municipal sector, and we look forward to building on these successes while also pursuing new opportunities.”
Connie Reid, PMA President, shared the same enthusiasm.
"PMA is enthusiastic about the renewal of this tripartite partnership, as we continue to be committed to enhancing the capacity of municipal administrators across the province,” Reid said. “Through our continued collaboration with CNA and MNL, we hope to provide our membership of municipal administrators more opportunities for development, innovation and successful governance in their communities."
Through this new partnership, CNA, MNL, and PMA will continue collaborating to create innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
One of the standout successes to date has been the Municipal Pipeline Project, which has connected approximately 150 CNA students with municipalities through work-integrated learning (WIL) placements. These placements provide students with valuable hands-on experience while helping towns address local challenges.
"Work-integrated learning doesn’t just benefit our students, it brings fresh perspectives and practical solutions to municipalities that may otherwise struggle to access resources," says Ashley Nguyen, CNA’s Director of WIL Connection. "For anyone looking to get things done while helping students gain real-world experience, I encourage you to contact me. Together, we can create impactful projects that serve both communities and learners."
Another impactful accomplishment has been the launch of a training program for elected municipal officials, Municipal Leadership Essentials, developed in collaboration with MNL and led by CNA’s Customized and Continuous Learning (CCL). This online program, now in its second year, has ensured that municipal leaders across Newfoundland and Labrador are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to govern effectively.
The renewed partnership will enable CNA, MNL, and PMA to continue expanding work-integrated learning opportunities, creating new training programs, and developing innovative applied research projects.
Next week, CNA will participate in MNL’s Conference, Trade Show, and AGM: Charting the Course, which takes place in Gander. As part of the event, high school students will visit CNA’s Gander campus and participate in a youth municipal council meeting, introducing them to the world of municipal governance and further strengthening the ties between CNA and the municipal sector.
For more information on how CNA’s work-integrated learning programs, MNL’s initiatives, and PMA’s municipal services can support your community, visit their respective websites:
Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador - MNL
PMA | Professional Municipal Administrators
College of the North Atlantic - Co-operative Education
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Media Contacts
CNA
Ryan Crocker
Manager of Communications
P: (709) 699-8981
E:
ryan.crocker@cna.nl.ca
MNL
Tobias Romaniuk
Communications and Marketing Officer
P: (709) 725-1440
E:
tromaniuk@municipalnl.ca
PMA
Ashley Sheppard
Communications Coordinator
P: (709) 726-6405
E:
ashley@pmanl.ca