The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs:

Successful Symposium Highlights Commitment of Provincial Government
to Municipalities

This past Friday I had the opportunity to attend the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador 2011 Municipal Symposium in Gander. This conference brings together municipal leaders from across our province and I was pleased to have my first opportunity to speak to them as Minister of Municipal Affairs.

There was a positive energy at the symposium and while there I had the opportunity to highlight the many initiatives contained in Budget 2011 for towns and communities. Clearly, our budget measures have been well received and reflect our commitment to municipalities.

In particular those in attendance were pleased with our $4.6 million injection into Municipal Operating Grants. All towns and communities will receive increased funding, while municipalities with populations below 1,000 people will receive a 50 per cent increase in their grant. As acknowledged at the symposium, this will make a substantial difference for smaller municipalities.

Through Budget 2011 we are also continuing our commitment to help municipalities improve infrastructure. This year we have allocated over $140 million for new and ongoing municipal infrastructure projects. This funding will leverage further funding and bring total spending to $219 million. As well, we have allocated an additional $14 million for the continued implementation of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy.

Budget 2011 also allocated $30 million for recreational and multi-purpose facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our government recognizes the importance of such facilities and set aside this specific block of funding which is expected to allow us to leverage an additional $40 million, for a total of approximately $70 million.

One of the major themes of the symposium was cooperation. As a government we encourage municipalities to work together to achieve positive benefits for residents. It was stated that the relationship between the Provincial Government, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and towns and communities is stronger than it has ever been.

As I said to the delegates, they have my commitment as minister to continue building this strong relationship and I look forward to working with them in the coming months and also to joining them at their annual convention this fall.

2011 05 09                                                                  2:05 p.m.