The Political Trenches: Local Government At Work

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The Political Trenches: Local Government At Work

Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work, a new online show dedicated to local governance here in Alberta, across Canada and Around the World. Each week, Co-Hosts Ian McCormack (President of Strategic Steps Inc.) and Christopher Brown (Host of the Cross Border Interviews with Chris Brown) come together to talk about the big news and issues facing municipal governance.

  1. Full Interview: The Elan Project Founder Catherine McCook

    5D AGO · BONUS

    Full Interview: The Elan Project Founder Catherine McCook

    Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work. We’re here to unpack the key issues, of leadership in this new global and local world. To discuss this we are joined by Catherine McCook is a city councillor, leadership and performance coach, and board member of the Riseup Society of Alberta. With a background in Criminal Justice and training in Interviewing and Interrogations, she brings a sharp, multidimensional approach to leadership and system change.As the founder of The Elan Project, Catherine empowers women, supports leaders, and consults organizations on fostering people-first cultures that drive engagement, innovation, and long-term success. She is dedicated to transforming organizations and leadership through a human-centric approach and through a socio-economic lens that challenges outdated systems and promotes equity.A fierce advocate for women in leadership and workplace well-being, Catherine believes in disrupting the status quo for good—breaking down entrenched barriers, reshaping leadership norms, and redefining success in ways that prioritize people over rigid hierarchies. Whether tackling toxicity in politics, workplace inequities, or leadership gaps, she draws from her lived experience to help individuals and organizations lead, work, govern, and grow in more sustainable and impactful ways.With that Welcome to the show Catherine.***********************************Learn More About Todays Guest: https://theelanproject.com/***********************************Subscribe to Show:Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown***********************************Follow The Political Trenches:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network© 2025

    35 min
  2. 'The Elan Project'

    MAR 17

    'The Elan Project'

    Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work We are making abit of a detour this episode and talking about an important topic as we head into a uncertain global time. "Leadership" To help us unpack municipal leadership, today we sit down with Catherine McCook the founder and CEO of The Elan Project. But, before our chat with Catherine,, we have some stories we are going to dive into. *********************************** Stories In Today's Show: Could N.S. be considering strong-mayor powers for Halifax? https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7464928 Vancouver Coun. Rebecca Bligh kicked out of ABC caucus https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7460001 Cremona councillors resign as province appoints overseer due to 'dysfunction' https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/cremona-councillors-resign-province-appoints-overseer-dysfunction *********************************** Learn More About Todays Guest: https://theelanproject.com/ *********************************** Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown *********************************** Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2025

    40 min
  3. Full Roundtable: Ontario

    FEB 24 · BONUS

    Full Roundtable: Ontario

    Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work. We’re here to unpack the key issues, explore what’s at stake for communities across the province of Ontario heading up to the 2025 Ontario Provincial Election Scheduled for Thursday February 27th. We are joined by two remarkable municipal leaders—Councillor Alysson Storey and Councillor Lukas Oakley. Alysson Storey, a Councillor for Ward 6 in Chatham-Kent, brings with her a wealth of experience in government, communications, and strategic planning. With a background spanning the cultural sector, municipal governance, and advocacy, she’s been a strong voice on issues like accessibility, public libraries, and community engagement. Lukas Oakley, Councillor for Ward 2 in the County of Brant, made history as the youngest councillor ever elected in his region. A chemistry graduate turned policy advocate, Lukas has been deeply involved in progressive politics, championing sustainability, transparency, and responsible development. So, with that introduction out of the way, Alysson, Lukas—Thank you so much for joining the Political Trenches. *********************************** Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown *********************************** Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2025

    55 min
  4. 'Ontario'

    FEB 17

    'Ontario'

    Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work We are travelling to Ontario for a special roundtable discussion regarding, of all things, municipalities and the provincial elections currently underway. To help us unpack that, we are pleased to sit down and chat with two Councillors from the province to hear from them directly about what they are hearing and what they want from the next provincial government. But, before our roundtable, we have some stories we are going to dive into. *********************************** Stories In Today's Show:Municipal mayors are entering the Ontario election race with endorsements. It’s not the norm https://globalnews.ca/news/11014463/ontario-election-mayor-endorsements/ East St. Paul mayor breached election bylaw, conflict of interest act while working as councillor: ombudsman https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/east-st-paul-mayor-ombudsman-1.7454519 X and ‘municipal values’: Why a Halifax councillor wants the city to stop using it https://globalnews.ca/news/11012167/halifax-council-x-social-media-twitter/ *********************************** Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown *********************************** Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2025

    36 min
  5. Full Interview: Former Golden BC Mayor Christina Benty

    FEB 10 · BONUS

    Full Interview: Former Golden BC Mayor Christina Benty

    Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work. Christina Benty is a recovering politician with an enduring passion for local government. She served as Mayor of Golden British Columbia, and Councillor for 12 years. Driven by a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, she collaborates with leaders and organizations to create environments that are kinder, wiser, and more conscious. As a national speaker, facilitator, published author, and performance coach, Christina brings dynamic energy and deep insights to governing bodies and senior management teams. Drawing on her extensive political experience and educational background, she delivers thought-provoking content infused with enthusiasm and practical wisdom. Christina empowers leaders to build stronger, more resilient organizations, making local governance a model for innovation and progress. *********************************** Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown *********************************** Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2025

    34 min
  6. 'British Columbia'

    FEB 5

    'British Columbia'

    Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work We are travelling to our final western province today, we are making our way to the Sunshine Coast and talking all things British Columbia. To help us unpack that we are pleased to sit down and chat with the Former Mayor of Golden British Columbia. But, before our discussion, Ian and Chris have some stories we are going to dive into. *********************************** 0:00 - Opening: 0:04 - Introduction: 0:52 - Story #1 - BC Municipalities Border Fence 5:20 - Story #2 - Moose Jaw City Council Funding Advocacy 12:33 - Story #3 - Former CMRB Mayor Visa Bill 18:50 - Interview - Christina Benty, Former Mayor of Golden, BC 38:21 - Closing Remarks 40:12 - End Credits ********************************** Stories In Today's Show: Council, locals unhappy after police in Delta, B.C., order new chain-link fence along stretch of U.S. border https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/delta-police-us-border-fence-1.7439078 Province must give all municipalities money for housing, council says https://www.moosejawtoday.com/local-news/province-must-give-all-municipalities-money-for-housing-council-says-10149154 Former mayor McDougall pays back $17K in personal expenses charged to CBRM credit card https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/former-mayor-charged-personal-expenses-cbrm-credit-card-1.7437882 *********************************** Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown *********************************** Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2025

    41 min
  7. Full Interview: AMM President Kathy Valentino

    JAN 27 · BONUS

    Full Interview: AMM President Kathy Valentino

    Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work. Kathy Valentino, a city councillor from Thompson, Manitoba and the President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, believes strongly in the power and importance of local governance. With over 10 years of experience on the City of Thompson Council, including six years as Deputy Mayor, Valentino advocates for focusing on the basics that truly serve communities. In addition to her political background, Valentino has worked in the financial industry for the past 29 years. Valentino emphasizes that local governments are the best equipped to address fundamental issues such as improving public safety, investing in infrastructure and fostering stronger relationships with Indigenous Peoples in the spirit of Reconciliation. Valentino is a fan of hockey and enjoys spending time at her family cottage at Paint Lake. *********************************** Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown *********************************** Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2025

    27 min
  8. 'Manitoba'

    JAN 20

    'Manitoba'

    Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work We are back for a brand new year of talking about the biggest news stories in the Municipal Realm. In the first episode of 2025, We head to Manitoba to speak with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities President and Councillor for the City of Thompson Kathy Valentino. But, before our discussion with President Valentino, Ian and I will dive into the stories making the headlines. *********************************** Stories In Today's Show: Calgary city councillor wants review on impacts of false information https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-city-councillor-wants-review-on-impacts-of-false-information-1.7430422 OPP investigating ‘criminal allegations’ from divided Ontario council https://globalnews.ca/news/10951440/pickering-opp-investigation/ Municipality east of Winnipeg stops allowing residents to question mayor at council meetings https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/springfield-council-question-period-cancelled-1.7416968 *********************************** Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown *********************************** Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2025

    42 min
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About

Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work, a new online show dedicated to local governance here in Alberta, across Canada and Around the World. Each week, Co-Hosts Ian McCormack (President of Strategic Steps Inc.) and Christopher Brown (Host of the Cross Border Interviews with Chris Brown) come together to talk about the big news and issues facing municipal governance.

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