MATI® Advanced Communication Skills for Local Government Professionals

April 12-17, 2026 - Harbour House Hotel, Salt Spring Island, BC


As of January 2026, MATI courses now require a non-refundable deposit of $500 + GST to secure a seat within the program.

 

  • Learn communication essentials – listening and open question techniques
  • Manage difficult conversations and improve skills for resolving conflict
  • Practice coaching and negotiating skills
  • Improve council-staff communication
  • Get advice on your own communication challenges
  • Communicate better with diverse populations
  • Learn public consultation approaches and techniques
  • Discover best practices for communicating with and through the media
  • Learn about social media and Web 2.0 effective practices

 

2026 Fees: $3,441.90 + GST (members), $3,753.75 + GST (non-members)


To secure your spot, complete the non-refundable registration form and submit your deposit.


  • A non-refundable deposit of $500 + GST is required FIRST to secure your seat within the program.
  • A registration link and the INTAKE FORM will be sent to participants AFTER your deposit fee has been processed.
  • The remaining balance of the course fees, $2,941.90 + GST members, $3,253.75 + GST non-members will be processed on the registration deadline of March 30, 2026.
  • Please note, registration fills up quickly and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • If you register after the course is full, your name will be added to the waitlist within the non-refundable deposit link, however, you will not be charged unless a spot within the program opens up.


This is an all-inclusive fee, which covers tuition, course materials, accommodation, all meals and refreshment breaks, and all special recreational activities. 


Travel Grant Available for LGMA In-Person Programs

 

Through financial support from Lidstone & Company Law Corporation and Young Anderson Barristers & Solicitors, grants in the amount of $500 are available for eligible local government and First Nation professionals travelling to this program. To be eligible, applicants must be currently employed by a municipality, regional district, or a First Nation with membership in the LGMA. Limited funding is available and grants will be awarded based on financial need. Consideration will be given to the distance from the applicant’s community to the program venue (minimum 300 km), with priority given to applicants from smaller and/or rural communities. LGMA assumes that applicants will have the approval and endorsement of their organization to apply.   

 

LGMA will contact successful applicants only for the purpose of confirming financial assistance. To respect recipient confidentiality, LGMA will not name or publicize travel grant recipients. Grants will be made payable to the applicants’ organizations once the program is completed.  Submit your travel grant application by completing this form.


Cancellation Policy:  Cancellations are accepted until March 30, 2026, but participants will forfeit the $500 non-refundable deposit.

 

Thank you to Lidstone & Company and Young Anderson for providing this funding to support local government and First Nations staff to access in-person training.


Please contact localgovernment@capilanou.ca for further information on this course or to be added to an interest list.

Visit Capilano University for further MATI program information.