Municipal Awareness Day Recognized by Provincial Government

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, today recognized Municipal Awareness Day in the province. Minister O’Brien signed the proclamation at the Professional Municipal Administrators (PMA) Convention in Corner Brook on April 20, along with Derrick Bragg, President of PMA, and Mayor Neville Greeley, Vice-President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Municipal Awareness Day is a time to formally recognize and thank the thousands of individuals throughout our province who work tirelessly to provide important programs and services to residents of their respective towns and cities,” said Minister O’Brien. “I encourage others throughout the province to take on a leadership role within their towns. As we get closer to the next municipal elections in our province in September 2013, our government will work on a new campaign to encourage individuals to put their names forward to run for elected office.”

Municipal governments throughout the province are holding awareness events in their communities today in recognition of Municipal Awareness Day. As well, councillors and staff will visit schools to speak with students about local government.

“Our government is pleased to have demonstrated our continued support for municipalities in Budget 2012 despite the deficit situation we face,” said Minister O’Brien. “We continue to invest significantly in new infrastructure throughout the province, with an investment of $130 million over two years for new municipal infrastructure projects.

In Budget 2012: People and Prosperity, the Provincial Government maintained the cost-shared ratios that were implemented in 2008 and has resulted in projects becoming more affordable for towns and cities. To support municipal operations, in addition to the $17.8 million the Provincial Government provides to communities on an annual basis through the Municipal Operating Grants, it has maintained increased funding of $4.6 million that was first provided last year. The Provincial Government has also committed to consult with municipalities on the development of a new formula that is equitable and sustainable.

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Photo: The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, along with Derrick Bragg, President of Professional Municipal Administrators, and Mayor Neville Greeley, Vice-President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, sign the proclamation to mark Municipal Awareness Day in the province.

Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca 

2012 05 09             4:00 p.m.