December 14, 1999
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

The following statement was issued today by Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today to acknowledge the individuals that form the executive of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities. Representing the federation and seated in the Speaker's Gallery are:

• President Mayor Derm Flynn of Appleton

• Vice President Councillor Carl Tessier of Gander

• Southwest Director Councillor Cynthia Downey of Stephenville Crossing, Chair of Finance and Administration Committee

• Urban Municipalities Committee Director Mayor Dave Denine of Mount Pearl

• Executive Director of the Federation Dr. Patricia Hempstead

This morning the federation made their annual presentation to the Social Policy Committee of government. This meeting provided an excellent opportunity for the federation to engage in a meaningful dialogue with ministers from the other social policy departments of government. As a government, we are committed to listening to their ideas and suggestions and to working co-operatively with them.

Collectively, this group of dedicated people represent the recently elected executive of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities.

These individuals, through their years of involvement in municipal politics, and their roles in leading the federation, demonstrate a true professionalism and commitment to municipal governance and leadership in the province. Government is cognizant of the fine contribution that the federation is making to local government, and as minister responsible for municipal government, I commend them for that dedication and commitment.

As an organization, the federation represents in excess of 90 per cent of the municipal governments in the province. Clearly, the federation is a key stakeholder for my department and as minister, I value their input on the key issues and challenges in local governance. I believe there exists, today, a mutual relationship of trust and respect between municipalities and the provincial government. The federation is to be commended for the vital role it has played in fostering this environment.

In closing, I look forward to continuing to work with the newly elected executive of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities into the new millennium. By working together, we can make Newfoundland and Labrador an even better place to live.

1999 12 14 3:50 p.m.