The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, was joined by Tony Keats, President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, and Brian Peckford, President of Professional Municipal Administrators, to sign a proclamation to recognize today, May 9, as Municipal Awareness Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. Municipal Awareness Day is an opportunity to celebrate the ongoing work by the Provincial Government, administrators and municipalities to support strong local governance, access to emergency services, and quality services and infrastructure.
Budget 2018 invests over $75 million in providing local services and mitigating the impacts of adverse weather events. These investments assist communities in improving infrastructure, ensuring better access to clean water and wastewater systems, improving road conditions, increasing capability of fire and emergency services and creating more places for families and residents to come together and live healthier lives.
The Provincial Government also continues to work collaboratively with the Federal Government on the second phase of funding of the Investing in Canada Plan which is anticipated to be released later this year and allocates $555.9 million to the province over 10 years.
Local governments, residents, and organizations have demonstrated their desire to see municipal legislation comprehensively reviewed and modernized and the Provincial Government is continuing work on that initiative. Budget 2018 provides more than $100,000 for the Director of Legislative Renewal to proceed with work on the renewal of municipal legislation.
Through The Way Forward, the Provincial Government is taking action to strengthen the province’s economic foundation, operate a more efficient public sector, and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“Local governments, volunteers and other residents play an integral role in building and maintaining strong communities. On Municipal Awareness Day, I would like to thank everyone who is working hard to shape success in towns throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Your time, energy and dedication to making your community a better place are valued and truly making a difference.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment
“More than 1,700 municipal councillors and hundreds of dedicated staff work hard to make our municipalities more sustainable, prosperous and beautiful places to life. During Municipal Awareness Day, we aim to give residents a look inside the world of local government while also reaching out to engage youth, who will become the next generation of community leaders, municipal administrators and taxpayers.”
Tony Keats
President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
“Administrative staff contribute greatly to the success of municipal government. Administrators are proud to be a part of the municipal team that serves your community and improves your quality of life.”
Brian Peckford
President of Professional Municipal Administrators
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Learn More
Budget 2018: Building for Our Future – Safe and Sustainable Communities
Media contacts
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca
Gail Woodfine
Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
709-753-6820
gwoodfine@municipalnl.ca
Krista Planke
Professional Municipal Administrators
709-726-6405
ex.dir@nlama.ca