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Municipal Affairs
November 12, 2009

Successful Convention Held for Municipalities in Gander

More than 160 municipalities and 700 delegates, partners, exhibitors and guests participated in the 59th Annual Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) Convention and Trade Show held in Gander this past weekend.

�I was pleased to participate in the MNL Convention and experience first-hand the tremendous work and dedication of our province�s municipal leaders,� said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Municipal Affairs (Acting). �The convention is a key training, networking and educational opportunity for mayors and councillors, and a great mechanism to exchange ideas, discuss important municipal issues and share innovative solutions to challenges faced by municipal councils.�

In addition to participating in training, educational sessions, the trade show and annual general meeting, 175 municipal leaders were given special recognition at an appreciation banquet where the Department of Municipal Affairs presented them with long service awards for their commitment to their communities.

�The municipal leaders recognized during the convention all have served their communities for a minimum of 12 years, including four who have served over 30 years, and five special awards for mayors and councilors with more than 35 years service,� said Minister Hedderson. �The dedication shown by individuals from across the province is extraordinary, and it is their hard work and commitment that will help guide municipalities and our wonderful province to a bright future.�

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs, was made an honorary member of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and recognized by her peers during the convention in recognition of her years of municipal service and contributions to municipalities. Prior to becoming MHA for Conception Bay East and Bell Island in 2003, Minister Whalen was mayor of Paradise for 18 years. She spent two decades in municipal politics, where she served as a director of the provincial and national federation of municipalities and served on such standing committees as Economic Development, Community Safety Crime Prevention, Northern Remote Forum and the Environmental Membership Development Committee.

The Department of Municipal Affairs also highlighted for delegates a number of initiatives in support of municipalities which include:

  • A modification to how municipalities can spend gas tax funding. Beginning in 2010, gas tax funding will be able to be used for the municipal share of approved cost-shared projects which address water quality, wastewater quality or regional cooperation initiatives.
  • The Provincial Government�s unprecedented multi-year commitment to municipal capital works funding which has increased the capital works budget by more than $34 million annually, bringing the total annual commitment to municipal infrastructure to more than $84 million. Together with federal and municipal contributions, this three-year program is worth in excess of $400 million.
  • A commitment to continue to pursue federal funding that may become available. In 2009, the Department of Municipal Affairs accessed almost $110 million for municipal infrastructure through Building Canada, Base Funds, stimulus money, and federal top-up funds.
  • The fact that Newfoundland and Labrador committed all of its initial allocation under the Recreation Infrastructure Fund and was able to access a second allocation under the program that will see about $22 million invested in recreation infrastructure over the next two years.
  • A commitment to provide funding of $100,000 in support of learning and professional development opportunities for municipal councillors attending the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador symposium in the spring of 2010. The department will provide funding of $250 per councilor to a maximum of two councilors per municipality to attend this important learning and development forum.
  • Training to all councils in the province on their roles and responsibilities. The Department of Municipal Affairs will cover 100 per cent of the costs to encourage new and incumbent councillors to attend training.
  • Expansion of a ticketing pilot project concerning the enforcement of municipal by-laws and regulations for property-related offences through issuance of tickets. Depending upon needs and resources, this may be an ideal opportunity for some towns to engage in regional cooperation initiatives.
  • A contribution of $25,000 in support of the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador branding exercise promoting a focus on people and potential.

�I would like to acknowledge the participation of our municipal leaders this past weekend, and recognize the newly elected board of directors for MNL, whom I look forward to working with as we continue our efforts to promote, support and secure the future of municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,� said Minister Hedderson.

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

2009 11 12                     11:20 a.m.


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