News Release

Mayor Kelly Welcomes Atlantic Counterparts

(Halifax, NS, April 19/07) – Mayors from throughout Atlantic Canada will converge in Halifax Regional Municipality on Friday and Saturday for a meeting of the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress.

“The Atlantic Mayors’ Congress provides an opportunity to explore options and find creative solutions to the priorities and challenges our municipalities face,” says HRM Mayor Peter Kelly. Mayor Kelly is the Chair of the AMC as well as host for this week’s meetings. “The AMC also gives us a chance to strengthen the ties between our municipalities so we can present an effective, united front to the world.”

Agenda highlights for Friday, April 20 (meetings will be held in Halifax Regional Council Chambers, Halifax City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street):

Immigration
Nabiha Atallah of the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA) will give an immigration update. Immigration is a top concern as Atlantic municipalities strive to get more immigrants to come to Atlantic Canada, settle and stay here. The Congress held an immigration conference in May 2005.
10:30 am–11:30 am

Atlantica
Bill Denyar, President of the Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce will discuss developing an action agenda for Atlantica, the “international northeast region of economic cooperation.”
1:45 pm–2:45 pm

The “Paperless Council”
Can we get by without paper? Bob Wrye, Deputy Mayor of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, will share his municipality’s efforts to eliminate the use of paper in Council.
2:45 pm–3:15 pm

Economic Development Report and Forecast
Brad Smith, Vice President, Business Development, Greater Halifax Partnership, will shed light on economic development trends and issues in Atlantic Canada.
3:30 pm–4:30 pm

Media are welcome to attend.

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To attend or for more information:
Mayor Peter Kelly
902-490-4010