I would like to take the opportunity to inform my colleagues that this past week has been an active time for municipalities province-wide. On May 8, 9 and 10, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador held its Annual Municipal Symposium in Gander. The focus of this year�s symposium was waste management, municipal sustainability, the gas tax agreement, municipal planning and the potential for regional governance.

I had the opportunity to speak at the dinner on Friday evening at which time members of the MNL again committed their support of the Provincial Government and the valuable work we are completing. Their group remains committed to advancing the development of our communities. Their aim is to provide safe and nurturing environments through sound infrastructure and efficient services for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, so too is this government�s.

Also, today is Municipal Awareness Day. All too often, the work done by Mayors, Councillors and Municipal Administrators in the province goes unnoticed. These dedicated people go about their daily business quietly and efficiently. They ensure that residents of the province have clean drinking water, that their local roads are plowed and maintained, that needed infrastructure is developed and that their communities are planned and managed.

The focus of today is not only for awareness. This is a genuine opportunity to educate the public on the role of Municipal Governments and the services they deliver. It�s an opportunity to involve residents in activities which increase community pride and understanding. It aids in the recognition of the many volunteers in the community that help them continue to grow.

Municipal Awareness Day is a joint project of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Municipal Administrators, the Department of Municipal Affairs and the many municipalities all across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Today, on behalf of our government and this entire House of Assembly, I commend the dedicated individuals who selflessly dedicate their time each day for the betterment of our community and province. I congratulate Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador on another successful Municipal Symposium and I remind everyone that without our Mayors, Councillors, Municipal Administrators and many volunteers, our communities wouldn�t be the wonderful places we call home.

2008 05 14                                                 2:25 p.m.