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NLIS 2 August 14, 2002 (Municipal and Provincial Affairs) Minister attends meeting of ministers responsible for local government Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, joined provincial and territorial ministers responsible for local government in Victoria, British Columbia, this week, to discuss a range of issues relating to municipal governance. Ministers issued a communique summarizing their discussions. "This was an excellent opportunity to confer with my colleagues across the country, to learn what they are doing, and also share with them the initiatives we are taking in Newfoundland and Labrador," said minister Langdon. During the meetings, Ministers discussed subjects relating to municipal financial support, drinking water safety, relationships with First Nations and economic development. Ministers also discussed the role that the federal government should be playing in the area of municipal governance. Minister Langdon emphasized: "Provincial governments have constitutional jurisdiction over matters relating to municipal affairs. While we certainly welcome the financial support and cooperation of the federal government, federal initiatives must focus on provincial priorities. They can only succeed with the concurrence of the provincial government." Minister Langdon noted that several federal ministers have recently commented on how the federal government might assist in responding to municipal issues. Minister Langdon suggested: "The federal government should finalize a course of action to assist in addressing municipal concerns and work together with the provinces and municipalities to proceed jointly with program implementation." Media contact: Lynn Hammond, Communications, (709) 729-1983.
Backgrounder Provincial /Territorial
Meeting of Ministers The 2002 Provincial/Territorial Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Lcoal Government concluded in Victoria today. Hosted this year by George Abbott, British Columbia Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women�s Services, this annual meeting is an opportunity for ministers to exchange information on lcoal governance priorities within their jurisdictions. All provincial and territorial governments were represented at the meeting. "We all have a better appreciation of the issues facing each province and territory and the respective local governments," said Abbott. "We�ve come together from around the country, to discuss the issues, initiatives and innovations in the local government arena." This year�s meeting featured wide-ranging discussions on several key topics, notably local government financial issues. Recognizing the changing demands on the provinces and municipalities, the ministers discussed evolving revenue sources, enhancing economic competitiveness of Canadian municipalities, and strategies for efficient service delivery. The ministers were unanimous in their support of the premiers� call to address the fiscal imbalance between the provincial and federal governments. Remedying the fiscal imbalance would enable provinces and territories to better deal with their key priorities. The ministers recognize the urgency of this issue, and committed to work collaboratively to address the full range of policy and financial issues in the municipal sphere. Acknowledging the federal government�s growing interest in financial support for municipalities, the ministers reinforce the importance of respecting the exclusive constitutional responsibility of the provinces and territories for municipal affairs. The ministers also discussed opportunities to assist building relationships between local governments and First Nations. The purpose was to be determine the capacity within local government to cultivate harmonious and productive relationships with First Nation governments. This topic was one of great interest to a number of the participants, who are committed to strengthening these relationships. Updates on safe drinking water policy and procedures were presented to the ministers with a focus on implications for local government. Actions taken by the provinces and territories to meet drinking water safety needs were presented. Many provinces are responding to the challenges resulting from growth and development, sparking an interesting comparison of alternative smart growth approaches. Information on economic, social and environmental challenges was exchanged, and growth strategies presented. The ministers expressed an interest in continuing to look at these issues, as well as specifically focusing on issues facing rural and resource-based communities. "This forum allows us to discuss challenges facing our communities, common themes we share, and discover new ways to work with local governments from around the country," said Abbott. Prince Edward Island will host the 2003 Provincial/Territorial Ministers Meeting. Media contact:
2002 08 14 11:20 a.m. |
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