News release

Orientation Workshop for Newly Elected Municipal Councillors

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Orientation Workshop for Newly Elected Municipal Councillors


More than 135 newly elected municipal councillors are gathering in Halifax on Saturday, Nov. 20, to learn more about their new jobs. From balancing a budget to barking dog bylaws, the 2004 Municipal Orientation Workshop provides an informative overview of the roles and responsibilities of municipal councillors.

"Municipal government is democracy in action at the community level," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "There's so much to learn about the way municipal government works. This workshop will help our newly elected councillors get off to a good start with a better understanding of their role and the responsibilities of council."

The workshop includes sessions on the roles and responsibilities of council and administrative staff, an introduction to municipal finances, and the legal authority and liability of council. As well, there will be a presentation by Lawrence Mawhinney, Mayor of the Town of Lunenburg, on making council meetings work.

"Municipal councillors play a vital role in keeping our communities strong and vibrant," said Charles Crosby, president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. "This orientation workshop will help our municipal councillors make informed decisions to better serve their communities."

Mr. Barnet and Mr. Crosby will address the councillors as will Greg Keefe, deputy minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and George McLellan, president of the Association of Municipal Administrators.

Guest speakers at the Municipal Orientation Workshop include Linda Parker, former president of the Association of Municipal Administrators; Jamie Campbell, solicitor for the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities; Dale MacLennan, director of finance for Halifax Regional Municipality; Greg Herrett, director of finance for the Town of Amherst and Jack Novack, director and professor of public sector programs at Dalhousie University.

The 2004 Municipal Orientation Workshop is a partnership of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities and the Association of Municipal Administrators.