Ministers of local government meet

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, recently participated in the 2001 Provincial and Territorial Conference of Ministers Responsible for Local Government. The meetings were held this year in London, Ontario, on August 13 and 14, with all provinces and territories participating.

The conference provided ministers with an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues affecting local government, and share ideas and approaches being used across the country to address the challenges facing municipal councils. 

"Overall, the conference was very productive and insightful," said Mr. Langdon. "It provided ministers with an opportunity to update their colleagues on the activities taking place in their jurisdictions, as well as to learn from the experiences of others."

A key discussion point for ministers focused on drinking water safety and the impact which this has on the health and well being of Canadians. Ministers agreed that significant action must be taken in order to ensure that people have access to safe drinking water. 

"I believe that drinking water safety is probably the most significant issue facing many local governments today," said Mr. Langdon. "My colleagues also feel that this is a critical issue and collectively we believe the federal government must be part of the solution to providing safe drinking water, by supporting a separate and incremental approach which builds upon the work already being undertaken by provinces and territories in this regard."

Other topics of discussion included the advancements which are being made in providing local governments with the legislative tools they need to govern effectively at the local level, the recently appointed Prime Minister's Task Force on Urban Issues, as well as issues of taxation of utilities, and infrastructure needs.

"A lot of progress has already been made in advancing local governance across Canada and we, as ministers, remain committed to working with municipalities, their associations and the federal government to continue to build collaborative relationships which will serve to provide even stronger and more accountable local governments," added Mr. Langdon.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-3733.

2001 08 16                                                    2:45 p.m.