Ready to Win in 2026?
Get the political candidate training you need to win. Whether it’s your first run or your second shot at victory, the $249 Full Day Campaign Masterclass delivers the proven 6-Pillar framework to launch a campaign that’s organized, funded, and built for success in the Ontario Municipal Election.
Most campaigns lose before they even begin
The Fatal Mistake?
Starting too late.
- They underestimate how fast the clock runs out
- They wait too long to get organized
- They chase the wrong priorities
This Campaign Masterclass gives you the roadmap to avoid these mistakes — and build a campaign that lasts.
80%
Political Candidate Training: The 6 Pillars to Victory
In just one day, you’ll go step-by-step through the proven 6-Pillar Method that has shaped winning campaigns across Canada. Each pillar tackles a critical piece of your campaign — from money and message to team and turnout. By the end, you won’t just know what to do — you’ll walk away with a practical roadmap you can put into action immediately.
No wasted effort. No guesswork. Just a system designed to keep you focused, funded, and built to win.
Team Building & Recruitment
Mindset & Personal Resilience
FUNDRAISING & Budgeting
BrandING & Public Presence
Ground Game & Voter ID
Create a systematic plan to identify supporters, knock on the right doors, and track voter commitments so you know where you stand.
GOTV (Get Out The Vote)
If You're Serious About Winning -This Is for You.
The Campaign School is political candidate training built for people preparing to run in the 2026 Ontario Municipal Election who want to do it right — with focus, structure, and confidence. Whether it’s your very first campaign or a second shot at victory, this is where you learn what actually works. If you’re planning to run, this is your first step.
First-Time Candidates
Start strong and avoid the rookie mistakes that sink most campaigns before they even get going.
Returning Contenders
Community Leaders
Your First Step to a Winning Campaign
For just $249, you’ll join a focused one day Campaign Masterclass where we walk you through the 6-Pillar Method step by step. This isn’t theory — it’s a practical workshop designed to save you months of wasted effort and give you a clear plan you can trust.
Event Details
- Location: The M Club - 155 Commerce Valley Drive East, Thornhill
- Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
- 9:00am - 4:00pm (Registration opens at 9:00am)
Full Day Campaign Masterclass
6 Pillars of a Successful Campaign-
Half-day interactive session
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Full 6-Pillar framework
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Worksheets & take-home tools
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Live coaching & Q&A
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Clear next steps for your campaign
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Direct access to proven winners
Proven Experience.
Real Results.
Campaign Ready.
You won’t just hear theory — you’ll learn directly from people who have been in the trenches of real campaigns across Canada. From local municipal races to federal elections, our coaches bring the insights, strategies, and lessons that only come from experience. Together, they’ll give you the knowledge and tools to build a campaign that’s organized, resilient, and ready to win.
The Campaign School Coaches
Maleeha Shahid
Maleeha Speaks
Maleeha is a trailblazing advocate, politician, realtor, author, and changemaker with over 20 years of experience driving positive change. Born in Pakistan and now a proud Canadian, she made history as the first woman from a diverse background elected to Whitby Town Council, later serving as Deputy Mayor in 2023. A Harvard-Certified Executive Leadership Coach and graduate of the University of Western Ontario’s Local Government Program, Maleeha has been a lifelong champion of diversity, inclusion, and community resilience — qualities that define her leadership and her ability to help others rise. Her experience spans both politics and real estate, giving her a unique perspective on people, communities, and decision-making. At Campaign School, Maleeha shares the mindset and strategic tools that keep candidates steady, confident, and effective throughout the campaign trail.
Mark Weir
Weir Media
Mark is a creative strategist, designer, and storyteller with over 30 years of experience shaping campaigns that inspire action. As the founder of Weir Media, he has guided candidates and organizations through high-stakes campaigns at every level — municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal. His work includes serving as lead designer for the Erin O’Toole Leadership Campaign, where the underdog team achieved an unexpected victory, and contributing to the last two federal elections. A branding and messaging specialist, Mark most recently led the creative direction for the winning Yukon Territorial election in 2025. His experience bridges politics, design, and communication — giving him a unique perspective on how stories move people and shape results. At Campaign School, Mark shares the creative mindset and practical tools that help candidates stand out, stay organized, and connect with voters in meaningful ways.
Cara Baycroft
Weir Media
Cara is a communications specialist, strategist, and coach with over 20 years of experience in sales, public presentation, and digital marketing. Her career has been defined by helping people connect, communicate, and lead with confidence — skills that now shape her work at Weir Media, where she manages social media campaigns and digital outreach for candidates and organizations. By combining strategic content with authentic storytelling, Cara builds trust, visibility, and meaningful engagement online. Her background in sales refined her ability to frame ideas clearly and persuasively, while her hands-on coaching helps candidates translate that clarity to both the stage and the screen. She believes every campaign message should feel human, relatable, and real. At Campaign School, Cara empowers participants to sharpen their public presence and use social media effectively to engage the voters who matter most.
Guest Speakers
Alongside our featured coaches, you’ll also hear from guest speakers — campaign veterans and specialists who bring years of real-world experience to the table. They’ll share candid insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and proven strategies that bridge the gap between theory and what actually works on the campaign trail.
Martin Horak
LUCAS CLEVELAND
Town of Cobourg
Lucas Cleveland is the Mayor of Cobourg and a community-focused entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable growth. After moving to Cobourg six years ago, he launched the town’s first zero-food-waste greengrocer — a business that inspired his path into public service. Before politics, Lucas ran a consulting firm helping restaurants cut waste and spent over a decade in the oil and gas sector with Weatherford International.
George Hatzis
Anthony Furey
Anthony is a business consultant specializing in public affairs, media relations, and business development. He spent over 15 years in Canadian media as a columnist, senior editor, and talk radio host, with work appearing in the National Postand other outlets. He serves on the board of Brands for Canada and previously ran for Mayor of Toronto in 2023.
Tasha Kheiriddin
TANNIS DRYSDAL
ZAK RHEMTULLA
& Advisor
Zak is an emerging leader in Canadian public affairs with experience in government relations and political campaigns. As a Strategic Advisor at Amir Remtulla & Associates, he provides insights on complex policy and regulatory issues. Zak has managed election campaigns, advised leadership bids, and lectures on Canadian politics at the University of Toronto.
zehra mahoon
Business Coach
Zehra is a business coach and advisor with over 30 years of experience in finance, leadership, and brand management. A proud mom of two and devoted community volunteer, she has held roles in investment banking, financial planning, and retail management with global brands such as Nike and Estée Lauder. Since retiring from corporate life in 2022, Zehra has focused on helping others achieve growth, confidence, and financial freedom.
PANELISTS
Mayor Elizabeth Roy – Town of Whitby | Mayor Kevin Ashe – City of Pickering | Mayor Lucas Cleveland – Town of Cobourg | Regional Councillor Rhonda Mulcahy – Town of Whitby | Regional Councillor Sameera Ali – Town of Milton | Regional Councillor Colleen James – Region of Waterloo | Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford – Town of Ajax | Councillor Mara Nagy – Town of Pickering | Councillor Alvin Tedjo – City of Mississauga | Zehra Mahoon – Author & Success Coach, TEDx Speaker
What Leaders Say About Working With Us
The Campaign School is new, but the experience behind it isn’t. Between Maleeha Shahid, Weir Media and our guest speaker, we’ve spent decades guiding leaders, organizations, and candidates through the toughest campaign challenges. From shaping powerful messages to building resilient teams and delivering results at every level of politics, we know what it takes to win — and now we’re bringing that proven expertise directly to you.
The 2026 Election Clock Is Already Ticking
Nominations Close By: August 21, 2026 — 2:00 p.m.
The nomination deadline is coming fast — and once it closes, your chance to compete in 2026 is gone. Winning campaigns aren’t built on waiting; they’re built by those who prepare early, build their team, and hit the ground running. Seats for the Campaign Masterclass are limited, and every day you delay is ground you’ll never get back. Don’t wait — secure your spot now.
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Don’t wait — secure your spot today.
Your Community Needs You at the Table
This is your moment. You don’t need deep pockets or insider connections — just focus, structure, and a system built to win.
The Campaign School gives you the roadmap to cut through the noise, rally support, and turn ambition into victory.
Only 50 seats available — don’t miss it.
Questions? Email us at hello@thecampaignschool.ca