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.
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1:04:51
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1:04:51
Reporting on municipal issues and the importance of local press
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.
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51:33
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51:33
Running for office and holding elections: the legislative perspective
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.
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1:06:43
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1:06:43
Leading in a City
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.
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53:56
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53:56
Leading in a small town
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.
Municipal Mondays is a new podcast from Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL), hosted by Dr. Deatra Walsh as part of the Make Your Mark campaign. Each week, Deatra sits down with people working in or alongside municipal councils to explore what it really takes to step up and serve your community.
From seasoned mayors to first-time councillors, from policy advisors to community organizers, these conversations shine a light on the challenges, joys, and realities of municipal politics in Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether you’re curious about running in the next election or simply want
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