A practical resource to support municipal elected officials facing rising intimidation and harassment
The Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM), in partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) and the Strong Cities Network, today officially unveiled a toolkit for Manitoba municipalities designed to counter anti-government hate and harassment, now available in both of Canada’s official languages, English and French. The French-language version of the toolkit was made possible through a structured collaboration between AMM and AMBM.
Originally launched in English on December 10th, 2025 by the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and the Strong Cities Network, this practical resource was developed to support municipal elected officials and administrative staff facing a growing surge in hate-driven behaviour and harassment targeting public institutions and their representatives. Its development reflects a context shaped by real incidents in Manitoba, where intimidation, vandalism, and harassment directed at municipal officials and staff have raised serious concerns. The new bilingual version significantly expands the toolkit’s reach and impact across communities in Manitoba.
By making this toolkit available in both English and French, the partners reaffirm their commitment to strong, healthy, and locally grounded democratic participation, ensuring that residents and elected officials can inform themselves, take action, and engage in the official language of their choice.
“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) is proud to bring together the Strong Cities Network and the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM) on this important initiative. By making this comprehensive resource available in both official languages, municipalities across Manitoba will have greater access to practical tools and strategies to address harassment, promote constructive engagement, and build stronger, more resilient communities.” — AMM President Kathy Valentino
“Since the initial release of the Strong Cities—AMM Toolkit for Manitoba Municipalities: Addressing Anti-Government Hate and Harassment at the Strong Cities Global Summit in Toronto in December of last year, the environment local elected officials must operate in has only continued to deteriorate as political discourse and public debates have become ever more toxic and polarization continues to rise.
As we have heard from across our global membership, and especially our engagements in Canada, local elected officials and municipal staff are increasingly the target of anti-government and other hate and harassment, and they seek the tools and other support to be able to mount a robust response to these challenges. It is under the circumstances that we are pleased to release a French version of our toolkit to ensure that all municipalities in Manitoba have access to its recommendations and promising practices.” — Eric Rosand, Global Chair, Strong Cities Network
The AMBM highlights that this initiative aligns fully with the commitment of its member municipalities to enhancing municipal service delivery in both official languages, while also strengthening governance, leadership, and strategic planning in line with the Municipal Maturity Model (3M) regulatory framework.
The Municipal Maturity Model (3M) is a structured and evolving framework that supports Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities in their planning processes by reinforcing decision-making autonomy and strengthening their ability to integrate sustainable practices in delivering services in both official languages.
The toolkit provides practical recommendations, response strategies, and concrete examples to help municipalities effectively address incidents of hate and anti-government harassment, while fostering safe and respectful local environments.
“The launch of this toolkit, now accessible in both English and French, represents a concrete step forward in strengthening democratic participation in the official language of choice. For Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities, which rely on the Municipal Maturity Model (3M) to structure their commitments to official languages, this is an essential lever to better prevent and counter anti-government hate and harassment, while supporting inclusive and resilient communities.” — AMBM President Ivan Normandeau
This collaboration between provincial and international organizations is part of a broader effort to strengthen democratic resilience at the municipal level across Canada, by equipping local governments with practical tools tailored to their realities.
The toolkit for Manitoba municipalities designed to counter anti-government hate and harassment is available here.
About the AMBM
The Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM) is the voice of bilingual municipal leadership in the province of Manitoba. It represents 16 municipal governments committed to offering services in both official languages to their residents. Together, these municipalities represent the majority of Manitoba’s population. Manitoba’s bilingual municipal leadership also leads the AMBM Group, a consortium of three organizations with complementary mandates: the AMBM, the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba, or CDEM) and Eco-West Canada (EWC), which specializes in the green economy. Complementing each other, these three organizations actively contribute to the development, vitality and sustainability of the province’s Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) and the province as a whole.
About the AMM
The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) represents all incorporated municipalities in Manitoba, including the City of Winnipeg. The organization provides the support and leadership needed to promote strong, effective councils that truly reflect the order of government closest to the people.
About the Strong Cities Network
The Strong Cities Network is an independent global network of more than 290 cities and local governments across 70 countries, dedicated to addressing all forms of hate, extremism, and polarization while promoting a human rights-based prevention framework. Through in-person and online convenings, exchanges, and training, the network supports mayors, local leaders, and municipal practitioners in sharing knowledge and strengthening prevention efforts—complementing national, regional, and global initiatives.
