May 17, 1999
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

The following statement was issued today by Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am pleased to rise to announce that today, May 17, 1999, has been proclaimed as Municipal Government Awareness Day throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The theme selected for this special day is most appropriate: Dedicated People Working For You.

Today is a special day designated to highlight the important role of municipal government. It encourages people to participate more fully in municipal government affairs and to involve themselves in activities which will increase pride in their municipalities.

It is designed to recognize the efforts of mayors, councillors and municipal administrators who work diligently on behalf of communities in the province and it raises awareness of the cost and value of services provided by municipal councils.

The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, the Federation of Municipalities and the Association of Municipal Administrators are mutually supportive of this initiative. I have been pleased and encouraged by the cooperation between these parties on major recent initiatives such as the review and development of the New Municipalities Act, the review of the Urban and Rural Planning Act, and the development of guidelines for the Multi-Year Capital Works Program.

In conclusion, I want to say that the provincial government is committed to the principles of local governance. It is my hope that the two levels of government will continue to work together to build on a strong relationship with respect to municipal affairs to the benefit of all residents of the province.

1999 05 17                          3:35 p.m.