NLIS 10
September 15, 2005
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)
Municipal election nomination
results released
The Department of Municipal and Provincial
Affairs today released nomination information regarding the 2005 municipal
elections slated to be held on September 27 throughout the province.
Of the 276 municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador required to hold
elections, a total of 140 will hold elections, and 42 municipalities have a full
complement of council which will be proclaimed by acclamation. An additional 63
municipalities have nominated an adequate number of candidates to constitute a
quorum and are therefore in a position to fill the remaining vacancies through a
by-election. Finally, an additional 31 municipalities had an insufficient number
of nominees to constitute a quorum and will therefore not hold elections on
September 27, but will hold special by-elections under the direction of the
minister on October 25. Candidates totaling 2,125 have put their names forward
which include 1,108 incumbents and 1,017 new candidates.
�Municipal elections are an important part of the democratic process, and in
establishing effective self-sustaining municipal representation with a mandate
to improve communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Concerns were expressed
about possible lack of candidate interest, however the numbers indicate an
improved response from previous elections,� stated Minister Jack Byrne �The
candidates are to be applauded for their interest in participating in municipal
government; the work is sometimes difficult, but can be rewarding and contribute
to positive change. The contributions made by municipal councils are essential
to secure community development throughout the province.�
Generally, numbers have risen since the previous municipal election held in
September 2001. In 2001, 123 municipalities held either full or partial
municipal elections, with an additional 61 full councils proclaimed by
acclamation.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities in partnership with
the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs launched a Municipal
Awareness Campaign in August to encourage people to get involved with their
municipal council, and encourage people to vote. The success of this campaign
has introduced new faces and increased numbers which will lead to a more
effective democratic election process. The federation president Herbert Brett
says he is delighted people responded to the campaign.
�Giving residents a choice on election day is fundamental to making your
municipality sustainable,� said Mr. Brett �While too many councils are still
filled without an election, it is gratifying that more elections will be held
this year than in 2001. The federation is looking forward to working with the
provincial government and our members to ensure we have strong, viable municipal
governments. I congratulate all candidates for showing real commitment to their
communities and for stepping up to the challenges that lay ahead. I assure them
that the federation is here to work with all successful candidates to improve
their residents' quality of life.�
The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities was formed in 1951 as
an umbrella organization mandated to represent municipal government interests,
and as a vehicle for municipal leaders to share information and resources. NLFM
represents the 283 cities and towns in Newfoundland and Labrador that service 85
per cent of the population, as well as their 2,000 plus leaders.
Media contact:
Heather MacLean, Communications (709)
729-1983, 690-2498, heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
Craig Pollett, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of
Municipalities, (709) 682-6536
2005 09 15
3:50 p.m. |