Cathy Watson Memorial Award

Cathy Watson Memorial Award

The Cathy Watson Memorial Award sends one elected official to the Local Government Leadership Academy’s annual forum (or Elected Officials Seminar), who would otherwise not be able to attend.

Registration

Complimentary registration for the Annual Leadership Forum or Elected Officials Seminar.

Accommodation

Complimentary accommodation for the duration of the event.

Reimbursement

Reimbursement of up to a maximum of $1,000 in travel and related expenses upon submission of receipts.

CATHY WATSON was a long-serving employee of the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and was one of the original, founding members of the Local Government Leadership Academy. She was a dedicated proponent of local government and First Nations relations, education and leadership training and made many lasting contributions in this area. Sadly, Cathy passed away in May of 2015.

The Cathy Watson Memorial Award is established in her honour to enable participation in the annual LGLA Leadership Forum and Elected Officials Seminar Series by local government or First Nations elected officials who might otherwise be unable to attend.

The award is available to one applicant per Leadership Forum or Elected Officials Seminar who demonstrates financial need and an interest in developing their leadership capacity. (Please note: a total of five awards, one per region, will be given out in Elected Officials Seminar Series years.)

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Downloadable Award Information

Applicants must submit a letter of not more than 500 words explaining their interest in attending the Elected Officials Seminar and their desire to improve their leadership capabilities. Applicants must also indicate the value of their attendance to their council or board and to their community at large, and must demonstrate financial need.

Letters should be addressed to the LGLA President and be submitted to info@lgla.ca.

Deadline

The deadline for applications to attend the 2025 Leadership Forum has been extended – applications must be received by December 15. 

 
Evaluation Criteria

Primary evaluation criteria include the following:

  • Applicant must be a BC local government or First Nations elected official;
  • Applicant must demonstrate an interest in developing their leadership capacity;
  • Applicant must explain how their participation will benefit their local board/council and community;
  • Applicant must demonstrate financial need.

Additional evaluation considerations may include:

  • Past regional representation at LGLA events (i.e., Has it been some time since a delegate from your community or region attended an LGLA event?)
  • Balance between municipal/electoral area/First Nations representation (i.e., If the last several successful applicants have been from local governments, preference may be shown to applicants from First Nations communities; or, if a number of awards have gone to municipal representatives, preference may be shown to electoral area applicants.)

Evaluation and Notification Process

Letters of application will be evaluated by the LGLA Board. LGLA Board members or staff may contact applicants to request additional or clarifying information in evaluating applications. Recipients will be notified within six weeks of the respective application deadline.

 

Additional Details

  • The Cathy Watson Memorial Award is open to BC local government and First Nations elected officials only.
  • Recipients must submit receipts for reimbursement of travel and related expenses up to a maximum of $1,000.
  • Former recipients of the Cathy Watson Memorial Award are not eligible to re-apply.

Questions

Any questions about the Cathy Watson Memorial Award or the award application process should be directed to info@lgla.ca.