News release

Amendments to Municipal Government Act Introduced

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

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations has introduced legislation that allows the province to establish a debt collection system on behalf of municipalities.

The amendments will give the province the legal authority to collect debts that are owed to municipalities for public utility bills or by-law infractions. The province will not assume any liability for the municipalities' debt.

The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities approached the province about tapping into the effective debt collection services operated through Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

"Once implemented, the program would give municipalities further access to the provincial government's expertise and services to help them manage their finances," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "This, in turn, will help communities remain strong throughout Nova Scotia."

Clarence Prince, president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities said municipalities are pleased that the minister is tabling the legislation.

"There is about $8 million in outstanding fines owed to municipalities," said Mr. Prince. "This change is an important first step in assisting municipalities with the collection of this revenue."

Each year, the debt collection unit of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations collects over $15 million on behalf of provincial departments and agencies.