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NLIS 3
May 23, 2006
(Municipal Affairs)
 

The following statement was issued today by Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today to inform honourable members about the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities Annual Symposium, held May 11 � 13 in Gander.

The Federation of Municipalities� mission is to assist communities in their endeavor to achieve and sustain strong and effective municipal government, thereby improving the quality of life for all the people of this province. This year, the NLFM focused on two themes: (1) Municipal Government and Economic Development; and, (2) Community Sustainability Planning.

I commend the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities on such a wise choice of themes. I had the pleasure of attending on Saturday when the theme of sustainability was explored. Sustainability of communities around our province is a central focus of my department and the entire provincial government. For this reason, I felt great pride in being asked to address the symposium and speak of our recent initiatives, programs and departmental successes.

Sustainability of rural communities and towns can be achieved when funding initiatives and programs are enacted effectively and efficiently. The Department of Municipal Affairs, together with the NLFM, continues to ensure that funding and investments are strategically allocated in the best interests of provincial municipalities. We have worked to provide the availability of financial and administrative tools for sound municipal government - as well, we continue to promote financial stability and viability in all municipalities.

Aside from promoting previous departmental successes at the symposium, I announced new funding for the CCRC. The Community Cooperative Resource Centre operates under a mandate to research the state of the municipal sector and encourage greater regional cooperation as a means of making municipal governments more economically viable. The CCRC has undertaken many worthwhile endeavors including: (1) municipal planning and sustainability; (2) formalizing regional cooperation; and, (3) understanding and acting upon the needs of ever-changing municipalities province-wide. My department has committed $75,000 annually for the CCRC to continue its valuable work.

I wish to congratulate the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities on the success of their annual symposium. I also wish to commend President Wayne Ruth and his organization on such hard work, dedication and professionalism in providing for the betterment of our communities. They continue to find great successes in their efforts of valuable leadership and guidance for communities, councils, and people province-wide.

2006 05 23                           1:45 p.m.


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