Atlantic Mayors' Congress
November 22-24, 2001
Communique
Atlantic Mayors' Congress Formally Established
(Halifax, N.S. Saturday, November 24/2001)-- Mayors from 17 communities throughout the region have agreed to formally establish an Atlantic Mayors' Congress to work together and speak with one, strong regional voice on municipal issues.
Mayor Peter Kelly, of the Halifax Regional Municipality, was elected as the first Chair of the Congress, which will meet twice a year in April and November. Delegates agreed that the Spring meeting will regularly be held in Halifax and the Fall session will be hosted by a different community throughout the Atlantic Region each year.
Discussions at the inaugural session here focussed on seven main topics: infrastructure (e.g. harbour clean-up, central water systems, advanced technology); the environment; transit and transportation (e.g. air, port, road); economic development and tourism; solid waste management; joint purchasing/exchange of staff/ideas; and taxation of utilities and new forms of taxation.
Economic Summit:
In addition to regular agenda items at the next meeting of the Atlantic Mayors' Congress in Halifax in April 19-21, the mayors agreed to hold an Economic Development/Tourism summit at that same session.
Inter-Governmental Relations:
During their two-days of talks which wound up in Halifax today, the municipal leaders were urged by two Federal Cabinet Ministers to speak with one, strong voice in their dealings with Ottawa and their respective Provincial governments.
On Friday, Industry Minister Brian Tobin echoed the earlier words of Robert Thibault, Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), that a united, common approach is the most effective way to focus Federal and Provincial attention on their municipal concerns.
Mr. Tobin met informally with the mayors yesterday at a private luncheon, while Mr. Thibault spoke with the delegates at a private dinner on Thursday evening. Both Ministers applauded the efforts of the Mayors in meeting to discuss common issues and challenges.
Industry Minister Tobin challenged the Atlantic Canadian Mayors to send a united message to Ottawa and clearly state what they believe are the priorities for municipalities in this region. He even suggested the Atlantic Mayors send a delegation to Ottawa to draw attention to their concerns, and he offered to assist them in arranging meetings with the various Cabinet Ministers.
Harbour Clean-up:
Mayor Kelly, host and organizer of this first Atlantic Mayors' Congress, said delegates unanimously agreed that environmental clean-up projects for harbours must be considered a priority by the Federal and Provincial governments.
Atlantic Mayors also agreed that cost-sharing for major wastewater projects must be included in any enhanced Federal/Provincial Infrastructure program.
Central Water Services:
Mayor Raymond Murphy, representing the Union of Municipalities New Brunswick, told delegates that many rural communities are still on private wells, and there must be a greater priority in making central water available to such communities in the province.
Streets and Roads Construction/Maintenance:
Saint John Mayor Shirley McAlary raised the issue of municipalities having the authority to negotiate directly with the Federal government on transportation agreements, when their home province cannot commit to funding for street/road construction/maintenance.
Mayor McAlary told delegates the New Brunswick government was not spending all of the funding it had available for transportation improvements in her province.
Transportation (land, sea, air):
Mayor Wayne Ruth, of the Federation of Newfoundland and Labrador Municipalities, and other Newfoundland delegates raised a number of issues related to transportation difficulties and challenges in their Province.
Labrador City Mayor Graham Letto said movement was very difficult in Labrador, particularly when it came to road transportation. He said there was strong support for construction of a trans-Labrador Highway and an undersea transportation tunnel from Labrador to Newfoundland.
Corner Brook Mayor Priscilla Boutcher also voiced her support for improved transportation links and welcomed the call for greater co-operation among the Mayors of Atlantic Canada, while Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Denine stressed the need for improved ferry links, air service and improvement on the Trans-Canada Highway system.
Economic Development:
Summerside Mayor Basil Stewart stressed the importance of municipalities working together to create new economic growth. He said the Summerside economy was devastated by the closure of the CFB Summerside base in the late 1980's, but by working with Federal representatives, the Province and the local business community, they won the placement of the national GST Center in their city.
Atlantic Province/New England Ties:
Moncton Mayor Brian Murphy called for greater focus on traditional ties with the New England market. He suggested the Atlantic Mayors' Congress investigate the potential for establishing greater ties with organizations, such as the Eastern Canadian Premiers/New England Governor's Conference.
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Mayor Peter Kelly Chair
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