Statement by
Honourable Jack Byrne
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs
Nov 24, 2005

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity today to inform honourable members on the signing of a federal provincial agreement that will bring major investment into community infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

This morning I was joined by Scott Simms, MP for Bonavista�Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor and Wayne Ruth, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities to announce the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund Agreement. This agreement will introduce a total of 84 million dollars and will be a cost shared initiative between the federal provincial and municipal governments. The provincial investment will be in the range of 28 to 35 million dollars over the next four years.

In order for our communities to develop and prosper we must have reliable infrastructure. The provincial federal and municipal partnership demonstrated by today�s announcement speaks to a long-term commitment from all three levels of government. Our combined goal is to strengthen infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, reaching this agreement was not an easy process. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador insisted that program guidelines include water system expansions and upgrades. We also had to negotiate changes to the draft agreement that would give this government flexibility to assume part of the municipal share of costs where warranted. Our insistence on these terms resulted in a negotiations process that was lengthy and difficult but in the end a tremendous success.

Municipalities will play a major role in the distribution of the funding announced today. The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities will give strategic direction and identify priorities under this program.

Mr. Speaker, we are looking forward to working with municipalities as government continues to do everything it can to guide communities towards economic prosperity. We will continue to assist communities to identify and implement long-term solutions.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

News Release - Newfoundland and Labrador Communities to benefit from $84 million in  federal, provincial and municipal infrastructure investments