A renewed interest in municipal government has yielded improvements to the number of incumbents seeking another term in elected office, and growth among women interested in participating in municipal council.

"There was a serious concern that municipal council representation was on the decline, and that the number of individuals interested in running for municipal council in 2009 would be extremely low," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "In 2007, a Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador survey indicated that only 38 per cent of incumbent councilors would run in this years� municipal election. Following a review of nominations for the 2009 municipal election it has been determined that 54 per cent of incumbents put their names forward for consideration. In addition, we have seen a four per cent increase in the number of female candidates with women accounting for 31 per cent of total nominations. These are dramatic improvements to earlier projections and we have seen interest levels at or exceeding 2005."

"We are delighted that numbers are improving and that interest is growing with respect to running for municipal council," said Minister Whalen. "While we are optimistic about this years� nominations, there is still work to be done and this years MakeYourMarkNL campaign will serve as a great stepping stone in our efforts to attract individuals to serve on future municipal councils."

On September 29, elections will be held in 52 per cent of the province�s municipalities. A further 37 per cent have councils which have been acclaimed or have a quorum of councilors acclaimed to permit the council to function. Special elections will be held on October 27 for the 29 municipalities which did not receive sufficient nominations to form a council.

"The MakeYourMarkNL campaign has been a great effort to promote participation in municipal council, and an important initiative to reach a broader audience through use of an interactive marketing campaign targeted at young people, women and individuals who may never have considered running for council," said Minister Whalen. "This campaign has provided an opportunity to promote the importance of municipal government and work on attracting candidates for future municipal elections. The response to MarkYourMarkNL has been positive, and initiated much discussion about the opportunities that exist to strengthen municipal services, introduce fresh ideas, and make our communities vibrant for future generations. Whether an individual has entered the municipal race this year or will consider a run in the future, it is important that we continue to deliver our message about the important contributions that municipal councils make throughout our province.

In addition, Minister Whalen is encouraging residents to help make communities stronger by participating in the democratic process and voting. Historically, voting patterns have been low, and it is important to turn this trend around. The minister urges all residents to get out and vote on September 29.

Media contact:

Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 697-4137
Heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca