News Release Archive
PREMIER--NEW MUNICIPAL-PROVINCIAL INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED
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A new municipal-provincial government initiative to review
current financial and funding arrangements was jointly announced
today by Premier Russell MacLellan and Mayor Walter Fitzgerald of
Halifax Regional Municipality, the incoming president of the
Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.
The announcement was made by Premier MacLellan and Mayor
Fitzgerald at a meeting at Province House, where they were joined
by Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Guy Brown.
The parties agreed that the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities
will be asked to participate in a review of existing and proposed
financial and funding agreements between the two levels of
government --particularly recent service exchange
agreements --and to prepare recommendations.
The list of recommendations is expected to be presented to the
premier prior to the municipalities' annual meeting, scheduled
for Sydney in September. Mayor Fitzgerald is to assume the
organization's presidency at that meeting.
"I said clearly during the leadership campaign that I would meet
quickly with the municipalities to discuss their concerns about
existing funding arrangements," said Premier MacLellan. "And this
is the first step toward opening that dialogue."
Mayor Fitzgerald said he is pleased the premier was prepared to
discuss these concerns so promptly.
"We had a good meeting, and I'm satisfied that the premier is
sincere in his support and committed to taking the financial
concerns of the municipalities seriously," said Mr. Fitzgerald.
Mr. Brown also expressed optimism the process will lead to
positive results.
"It's a very encouraging development when the premier and the
mayor of the province's largest municipality --and the incoming
president of the union of municipalities --have committed to
working together so quickly," said the minister. "I look forward
to working with the premier and Mayor Fitzgerald in building new
relationships."
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Contact: Peter MacLellan
902-424-6600
jlw July 22, 1997 3 p.m.
