The 58^th Annual Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Annual Convention and Trade Show began today at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook. More than 600 delegates, partners, exhibitors and guests have converged on the west coast city as Regional Co-operation: The Way of the Future is celebrated over the three-day event.

The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs, will participate in several events throughout the convention including the opening ceremony on Thursday and the Tidy Towns Newfoundland and Labrador luncheon and awards ceremony on Friday. On Saturday, Minister Denine will deliver the Minister�s Address at the Annual General Meeting and that evening will be a guest speaker and present the 2008 municipal long service awards at the appreciation banquet.

"I am pleased to attend this year�s event as it is an invaluable forum for discussion and debate among the province�s municipal leaders," said Minister Denine. "And I am further pleased with this year�s theme, as regional co-operation is certainly one of this department�s top priorities."

"MNL is very happy to have Minister Denine join us once again for our annual convention and trade show," said MNL President Graham Letto. "We've built a very strong relationship with the Department of Municipal Affairs under the direction of Minister Denine. With continued partnerships, we can carry on positive initiatives like the Tidy Towns program, the Community Co-operation Resource Centre (CCRC) and Municipal Awareness Day."

The Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of Government Services, will also be making a presentation during the course of the convention. He will speak about the BizPaL initiative on Friday during the Local Action for Developing Regions session.

"Municipalities in this province will be an important partner in the success of BizPaL," said Minister O�Brien. "We have heard from businesses that they want this important online licence and permitting information service. We know that municipalities are interested also and have questions. That is why this convention is a perfect avenue to discuss BizPaL. Together, we can ensure that business owners have the best and smoothest experience in establishing their businesses."

Minister Denine and Minister O�Brien will be joined by the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance; the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Transportation and Works; and the Honourable Paul Oram, Minister of Business, at a town hall meeting on Saturday afternoon. The town hall meeting is an open forum between MNL members and ministers.

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2008 10 09                                                     9:40 a.m.