The Honourable Gail A. Shea, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, Deputy Minister Ron MacMillan, officials from the department and members of the Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities (FPEIM) met in the Community of Tignish on March 1, 2001, to discuss several areas of concern to Prince Edward Island municipalities.
A financial assistance program, funded in part by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, helped to attract three new members to the Federation. The assistance came as a result of an agreement that the department would cost share the membership dues for any new members to the Federation for three years. This program was set to end this year; however, Minister Shea agreed to extend the program for another year.
"The Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities plays a vital role representing approximately 80 percent of Islanders living within the boundaries of incorporated municipalities," says Minister Shea. "This program will assist smaller communities in joining the Federation and benefiting from being a member of a larger group."
The annual meeting also included discussions on the Municipal Support Grant Program, water quality, bylaw enforcement, property tax sales, solid waste management and proposed conflict of interest legislation.
According to FPEIM President Stan Campbell, "the meeting was very positive, and I look forward to working with the Minister and her department to overcome challenges facing Island Municipalities."
"There are many issues of concern for both the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Federation. I believe that by taking the time to discuss concerns and finding ways to work together, we can strengthen and improve Island communities," says Minister Shea.
The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for new executive and board members to discuss issues with the Minister and department officials. Recent municipal elections resulted in a number of changes to the executive and the board, including president Stan Campbell, vice-president of the Cities and Towns Caucus Allan Gallant, and vice-president of the Communities Caucus, Gwen Wyand.