May 18, 2011
Councillors and Staff Recognized on Municipal Awareness Day
Today is Municipal Awareness Day in Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, joined Harry Hallett, President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, and Derrick Bragg, President of the Professional Municipal Administrators, in celebrating the contribution of municipal councillors and employees to local governance in the province.
“Municipalities, led by their councillors and staff, contribute so much to our daily lives and Municipal Awareness Day is an opportunity to demonstrate what they offer and also thank them for their contributions,” said Minister O’Brien. “Municipal governments take a lead role in administering important programs and services such as recreation, drinking water, fire safety and waste collection. In the spirit of Municipal Awareness Day, I encourage residents to partake in the various activities occurring in their community and support their local government.”
Municipal governments throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are holding awareness events in their communities such as open houses and “Mayor for a Day.” Councillors and staff will also visit schools to speak with children about local government.
“Along with providing so many important services to our communities, the membership of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to educating residents of all ages about what it is municipal governments do,” said Mr. Hallett. “Municipal Awareness Day is the day we highlight the leadership role municipalities play within our province and, on behalf of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, I offer my sincerest thanks to the over 3,500 councillors and staff who work so hard each and every day to deliver services to their neighbours.”
“Municipal administrators proudly serve their communities and work hand-in-hand with elected officials to accomplish the goals of local government,” said Mr. Bragg. “On Municipal Awareness Day, we welcome residents of all communities to celebrate with us and join in the many events that towns are engaging in to increase the awareness of municipal government and the role we play in the growth and prosperity of our towns.”
The Provincial Government provided $15,000 to Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador in support of Municipal Awareness Day. Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provided an increase of $4.6 million for Municipal Operating Grants, bringing the total to $22.4 million. Budget 2011 also included a historic investment of $4.9 million in fire protection services and $140.8 million for new and ongoing municipal infrastructure projects.
Photo #1: The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, signs the Municipal Awareness Day proclamation with Harry Hallett, President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, and Blanche Bennett, representative of the Professional Municipal Administrators. City of St. John’s MNL representative Councillor Frank Galgay looks on.
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Media contacts:
| Ken Morrissey Director of Communications Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-1983, 685-6612 kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca |
Gail Woodfine Marketing Officer Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador 709-753-6820 marketing@municipalitiesnl.com |
| Krista Plank Executive Director Professional Municipal Administrators 709-726-6405 ex.dir@nlama.ca |
2011 05 18 1:25 p.m.