Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
May 6, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs:

Provincial Government Recognizes Municipal Awareness Day

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to recognize today as Municipal Awareness Day in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Municipal Awareness Day is a time to recognize and thank the many local government leaders throughout our province for their efforts in providing important programs and services.

Mr. Speaker, during the MNL Symposium which took place last week in Gander, the Provincial Government, together with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and the Professional Municipal Administrators, proclaimed May 6 as Municipal Awareness Day.

Municipal governments throughout the province are holding awareness events in their communities today in recognition of Municipal Awareness Day. As well, many councillors and staff will visit schools to speak with students about the opportunities associated with involvement in municipal government.

I encourage individuals throughout the province, especially our youth, to become more involved and take a greater leadership role in their towns and communities.

Mr. Speaker, our government has demonstrated its continued commitment and support for our municipalities and as part of investments through Budget 2015, we announced a new community sustainability partnership which will invest an additional $46 million over the next three years into communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The new initiatives will support all regions of the province, especially rural communities, as they enhance social and economic activities and initiatives to support, maintain and grow their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Honourable Members to join with me in recognizing councillors and staff of municipalities throughout our province for their devotion and efforts in serving the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

2015 05 06                              2:20 p.m.