And so the changes begin.

The resignation of Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberal Party of Canada will also mean his departure as Prime Minister. The campaign to become the new Liberal leader will be like a crash-filled NASCAR race: careening around a bumpy track until only one remains standing.

On a global scale, Mr Trudeau's departure may be the final blow to the liberalism that has been popular with many western governments over the past decade. Governments in the US, Germany, Italy and others have moved decidedly to the right in recent elections.

The next Prime Minister of Canada may reign for only a very short period of time if the opposition parties vote no confidence in the Speech from the Throne. That would mean a spring federal election. Pundits are predicting a change of government.

You do not elect a new Canadian federal government headed by a new PM (regardless of which political party) without there being dramatic change for municipalities. Housing priorities, immigration regulations, environmental concerns, budget promises, economic strategies, tax policies, and how the feds will invest in municipal governments will be key decisions that will have significant impact on cities across the country.

We are all embarking on another kind of journey as of Inauguration Day in the United States on January 20. What that may bring is unknown, but some analysts see it as bleak. President-elect Trump is threatening Canada with 25% tariffs; some see that as a negotiating ploy, others fear it is a bully's blow. The impact on local economies would be immense--and devastating—if it was implemented.

These two new governments and their new policies will result in seismic changes for Canada's towns and cities.

Mayors across the country need to navigate these deep, treacherous waters carefully. Many local MPs will be new; many of them will be new to governing, and that is a quite different skill—and opportunity—than sitting as a back-bench opposition member.

That will mean a change in the local politics and relations with federal MPs. For some municipalities, it will mean greater access and a clearer voice for local needs. Other cities and towns may find themselves shut out from the conduits they have traditionally enjoyed.

A change of government also means a shuffling of senior appointed staff, new ministerial assistants, and a different tone from whichever party holds power. Accessing the new government will be difficult and will take time.

These things will unfold very quickly in the US. Expect the first weeks to be dramatic, perhaps even chaotic.

The process in Canada will take a few months, but time will fly quickly in our political arena. That will not give Canadian municipalities much time to strategize.

Anticipate great transformation in the policies of the federal governments of Canada and the United States.

The winds of change are blowing hard. Municipalities must be planning now.