Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for
Local Government today reaffirmed their commitment to support municipal
and community economic development.
"Canada needs prosperous and viable municipalities and
communities," said Jim Bradley, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs
and Housing. "Local government ministers believe collectively that we
can better help our municipalities and communities prepare for a new
economic climate by learning from each other's experiences and
successes."
Municipal infrastructure such as transportation, water
and wastewater is a priority for all local government ministers. Local
infrastructure investment creates jobs, advances green energy efforts,
addresses community priorities and stimulates private sector investment.
Provincial and territorial ministers called on the federal
government to commit to adequate, predictable,
flexible and long-term funding to address municipal infrastructure
needs. Ministers had an opportunity to discuss this with John
Baird, the federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
The heads of two municipal associations met with the
ministers during their annual conference in Ottawa. Peter Hume, the
President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, spoke on the
value of municipal-provincial/territorial collaboration and Harry Nyce,
the President of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, shared
his experiences with Aboriginal engagement and community economic
development. Ministers recognized the strengthened relationship with
provincial and territorial municipal associations is contributing to
initiatives and approaches for sustainable communities and
municipalities.
Provinces and territories are using innovative
approaches to stimulate the development of local economies. Dr. Rob
Greenwood from the Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and
Development at Memorial University shared his experience regarding rural
and regional economic development and capacity building for local
sustainability.
Ministers also considered research aimed at enhancing
the role of the municipal sector in responding to climate change
challenges. The research looked at what could be done to support
municipalities in adapting to the effects of climate change.
The 2011 annual meeting of Ministers Responsible for
Local Government will be hosted by the Government of New Brunswick.