News Release
SERVICE NOVA SCOTIA/ MUNICIPAL RELATIONS - Promise kept on clean-up funding
(Tuesday, March 11, 2003) - Provincial funding for the Halifax Harbour clean-up will start on schedule, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Peter Christie announced today.
In September 2002, Premier John Hamm announced $30 million over 15 years starting in fiscal year 2003-2004, along with land worth $2 million, towards the harbour clean-up.
Today at Halifax City Hall, Mr. Christie delivered the first annual payment of $2 million following a meeting with Mayor Peter Kelly.
"As government, we're committed to doing our fair share to clean up Halifax Harbour, "said Mr. Christie. "Today's payment will ensure the Halifax Regional Municipality has $2 million in cash for fiscal year 2003-2004, just as we promised."
Following months of discussion, officials with Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and HRM tentatively agreed to a payment schedule that would see the $2 million land contribution occur this year, and financial contributions starting in 2004. A final Memorandum of Agreement had been brought forward to the provincial Cabinet, but not to members of Halifax Regional Council.
To eliminate any misunderstanding as to what the Province's intentions have always been, Premier Hamm has directed the provincial funding to begin this year to ensure the Harbour clean-up proceeds as soon as possible.
"Throughout these discussions, Premier Hamm and his government and HRM have shown good faith in doing their part to clean-up Halifax Harbour. I am pleased that we have resolved any misunderstanding which may have existed," Mayor Kelly said.
-30-
Contact:
Kevin Finch
Serivce Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
902-424-2733
John O'Brien
HRM Corporate Communications
490-6531
