Province, Municipalities Sign Agreement

The province and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (UNSM) have signed a new agreement that will help them build a more open relationship and a more effective system for resolving provincial-municipal concerns.

Building a more open relationship and more effective resolution of provincial-municipal issues is the foundation of a new agreement between the province and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.

The memorandum of understanding was signed today, Sept. 15, by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Barry Barnet and UNSM President Charles Crosby.

"The memorandum of understanding commits the province and the UNSM to more effective resolution of our issues through open communication, respect for each others' jurisdictions and ongoing consultation," Mr Barnet said. "It provides the framework for a positive and productive relationship, one that addresses many of the issues facing Nova Scotians."

To promote better communication, for example, a round table of cabinet ministers and UNSM officers will meet to discuss relevant issues.

"There were times in the past when the relationship between the province and the UNSM was very poor," Mr. Crosby said. "The relationship has improved a lot since then, and both sides learned that, if we were to better serve Nova Scotians, we needed a framework to amicably resolve our issues."

The round table will work on priority areas over the coming year. Each party will consult on any proposed legislative, regulatory, policy or financial changes that would impact the other.

The memorandum of understanding will be reviewed in two years to ensure it is still appropriate or if changes are needed. A copy of the memorandum of understanding is available on the website at www.servicens.ca/muns/ .