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NEWS RELEASE (CNS711) -->> HOUSING/MUNICIPAL
AFFAIRS--MINISTER TOURS MUNICIPALITIES




HOUSING/MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS--MINISTER TOURS MUNICIPALITIES
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The province's municipal officials will have the opportunity to
discuss local issues face to face with Housing and Municipal
Affairs Minister Jim Smith over the next few weeks. Dr. Smith is
currently meeting individually with elected councils of all 55
municipal units.

"It's an opportunity for me to better familiarize myself with the
issues and challenges facing local government in Nova Scotia,"
said the minister. "I made the commitment to do this at the Union
of Nova Scotia Municipalities Conference earlier this month. Now
I'm following through on it. I hope these discussions will be
frank, candid and as far-ranging as some of our talks so far."

Last week the minister met with the towns of Kentville, Berwick,
Wolfville and Hantsport and the Municipality of Kings. This week
he is meeting with the towns of Windsor, Truro, and Stewiacke and
the municipalities of Colchester, West Hants and East Hants.

Issues discussed included: the draft Municipal Government Act,
the national infrastructure program, reassessment, sales tax
harmonization and funding formulas. Municipalities are also
bringing forward issues specific to their units.

"Remember we both share the same goal: strong, viable
communities," said the minister. "We want to work with the units.
For municipalities, the Department of Housing and Municipal
Affairs is a window into the provincial government. We bring
forward their interests when we meet with other government
departments."

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Contact: Michelle Whelan  902-424-6336

trp                   Oct. 25, 1996 - 9:15 a.m.