The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs:

Municipal Awareness Day Opportunity to Recognize Municipal Leaders

Each year communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador have a special day devoted to acknowledging the dedicated work of individuals who participate in municipal government. Today, May 19, is Municipal Awareness Day and an opportunity to recognize mayors, councillors, municipal administrators and staff for their hard word and commitment to strengthen communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, for today and for future generations.

Municipal Awareness Day is celebrated by 281 communities, and provides an opportunity to promote the work of municipal government, and the tireless efforts of the approximately 3,500 elected municipal councillors and staff in the province. Municipal governments work diligently to secure the many essential services which affect our everyday lives. This is important work and includes services such as water, street lighting, and garbage collection — services which we may take for granted, but are vital to ensure the well-being of our communities.

Municipal Awareness Day is supported by our government in partnership with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. This year, the Department of Municipal Affairs provided funding of $15,000 to support Municipal Awareness Day and a province-wide advertising campaign. In recognition of Municipal Awareness Day, municipalities around the province will be hosting a variety of activities including history days, municipal displays, open houses, essay, story, trivia and poster contests, so that individuals within communities can gain better insight on how their city or town operates.

The MakeYourMark campaign that I led last summer sparked a renewed interest in municipal government. The campaign will now serve as a stepping stone in our efforts to promote the benefits of strong municipal representation, and the rewards of contributing to your community. MakeYourMark is about promoting municipal council and making people more aware of the important work of municipal government, and we will continue our work to sustain this important message.

The positive partnership between government, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, and our municipal councils is critical as we work together to take advantage of opportunities, address challenges, and support a bright future for our wonderful province. I was very pleased by the interest in last months Municipal Symposium in Gander. With more than 270 municipal leaders in attendance, it was the largest turnout in the history of this event. I encourage Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and my honourable colleagues to support Municipal Awareness Day and the work of our municipal leaders. We all have an important role to play to make our mark and ensure our municipalities are strong, vibrant and sustainable.

2010 05 19                                                   2:20 p.m.