Courses

Introduction to Contract Law

Build confidence in contract administration with this practical workshop that demystifies municipal contract law and equips you to navigate risk, ethics, and performance issues with clarity.

Register

Choose a date below to start your registration.

November 17, 2025
Cost:
$600.00
Duration:
One day

What You’ll Learn

  • Understand the legal foundations of municipal contracts, including formation and termination 
  • Identify risks, liabilities, and remedies related to substandard performance, liens, and claims 
  • Learn how to read, interpret, and administer common contract types 
  • Explore ethical practices and relationship management with contractors and the public 
  • Gain insight into dispute resolution, insurance, and performance securities 

Course Description

Introduction to Contract Law is a practical, discussion-based workshop designed to give municipal professionals a solid grounding in the legal principles that govern construction and rehabilitation projects. Participants will explore the lifecycle of a contract—from formation to breach—and learn how to manage relationships, interpret contract language, and respond to performance issues. 

Through case studies and group exercises, you’ll examine real-world examples of how courts apply these principles and discover the benefits of alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration. Whether you’re new to contract administration or looking to sharpen your legal literacy, this course will help you lead with confidence and integrity. 

Course Details

  • Recommended for municipal professionals with 1–5 years of experience in contract administration, including: 
  • New managers and inspectors 
  • Project coordinators 
  • Public works supervisors 
  • Infrastructure and procurement staff 
  • Formation of a Contract: Offer, Acceptance, Consideration, Capacity, Legality 
  • Factors Affecting Contractual Relationships: Mistake, Misrepresentation, Duress, Undue Influence, Conditional Contracts, Privity, Assignment 
  • Ending a Contract: Performance, Breach, Discharge by Agreement, Frustration, Remedies 
  • The Court System: Adjudication and Alternative Dispute Resolution 
  • The Three Most Common Types of Contracts 
  • Reading, Interpreting, and Administering Contracts 
  • Parts of a Typical Contract 
  • Performance Bonds, Warranties, and Letters of Credit 
  • Liability and Insurance 
  • Managing Substandard Performance 
  • Ethics in the Workplace and Contractor Relationships 
  • OACETT: Eligible for technical specialist program (Point Value: 2) 
  • Engineering Institute of Canada: Awards 7 Professional Development Hours  (PDHs) 

Delivered through a mix of lecture, case studies, class discussion, and small group exercises. Participants will review real case law examples and explore dispute resolution options including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. 

Question:
Do I need prior experience to take this course?

Answer:

No prior experience is required unless otherwise stated in the Requirements section. 

Question:
Will I receive a certificate?

Answer:

Yes, participants who complete all course components will receive a certificate of completion. 

Question:
Are virtual sessions recorded?

Answer:

No, live attendance is required to encourage interaction and engagement.