Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Local Government met in Halifax earlier this month and parted with a renewed commitment to working with municipalities on infrastructure funding, building strong relationships with Aboriginal peoples, and enhancing the strength and vitality of both urban and rural communities.
Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, attended the meeting on behalf of Prince Edward Island. “This annual meeting was a great opportunity for the provincial and territorial ministers to meet face to face and explore ways to enhance the strength and health of each province and territory,” she said. “Government is committed to working hand in hand with municipalities to strengthen our Island communities, build capacity and promote prosperity.”
The meeting was chaired by Jamie Muir, Nova Scotia’s Minister responsible for local government. The next annual meeting of Ministers is in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2009.
BACKGROUNDER - Meeting Outcomes:
The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities presented key issues and challenges facing municipalities and outlined the substantial work which has been started in this area.
• The Provincial and Territorial Ministers directed officials to meet this fall to further define challenges and identify potential solutions.
Governments have contributed significantly to addressing infrastructure needs, but municipalities and communities continue to face pressures such as the implementation of the proposed national wastewater strategy.
• Increased collaboration with all partners is required to meet these challenges.
Provincial and Territorial Ministers discussed the importance of constructive and co-operative municipal/Aboriginal relationships.
• Provinces and territories will work with the municipalities and communities and will help them find ways to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal peoples.
Dr. Gordon McBean, an expert in climate change, gave a presentation. The municipal sector has an important role to play in this issue.
• Provinces and territories will work to engage municipalities in provincial and territorial climate change initiatives.
• Ministers agreed to share information across provinces and territories on leading policies and programs that address greenhouse gas emissions and the inevitable effects of climate change.