Minister announces continued funding for Municipal Operating Grants

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, is pleased to announce $21.5 million in Municipal Operating Grants (MOGs) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.

"Although preliminary census numbers have been released by Statistics Canada, municipalities are assured that their MOGs will not be reduced this year," said Minister Langdon. "My department is currently working in cooperation with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Municipal Administrators to establish a new formula for MOGs which will provide for more equitable support for municipalities. I am pleased that they have partnered with us to re-examine the municipal financing issue and develop a new approach for introduction next year."

"This funding is particularly important to small and rural communities which depend on it to maintain daily operations. This government remains committed to rural Newfoundland and Labrador and the principles of the Jobs and Growth agenda which include fairness in the distribution of wealth and economic prosperity to revitalize all regions of the province."

Media contact: Lynn Hammond, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

2002 03 21                           3:30 p.m.