News release

Review of Provincial/Municipal Funding Programs

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

The province is reviewing funding programs and services it delivers to municipalities to help ensure they are meeting the needs of communities, while supporting the government's efforts to live within its means.

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Ramona Jennex today, Oct. 29, announced her government's decision to conduct a more broad fiscal review of all municipal programs at the annual Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities Conference in Sydney.

"It has been 10 years since this kind of collaborative review has been done and I recognize pressures on municipalities have changed over time," said Ms. Jennex. "We will work closely with the UNSM to review our programs and to ensure they are properly structured to address these pressures and meet the needs of Nova Scotians."

Following an initial review of the municipal equalization program, the department determined the best approach is to look at programs delivered by the province.

"With more than half of all government spending administered by municipalities, universities, school boards and health authorities, we must work with them to ensure the province can deliver vital services like health and education while living within our means," said Ms. Jennex.