NOTICE TO EDITORS
NDP Leader Jack Layton to Address Atlantic Mayors’ Congress
(Friday, April 17, 2009) - (Halifax) - The Atlantic Mayors’ Congress continues today at City Hall with a presentation from federal NDP Leader Jack Layton.
Mr. Layton, a former municipal councillor and one-time president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, will address Mayors from throughout the region at noon today in Halifax Hall on his party’s push to jumpstart the Canadian economy through direct investments in infrastructure such as transit, energy-efficient building retrofits, roads, bridges and water systems.
The Atlantic Congress provides civic leaders with an opportunity to come together twice annually to discuss a variety of issues that are critical to economic growth and community building. Underway since Thursday, this session focuses on the economy, immigration, culture and creativity, sustainability, air transportation, operational finance and infrastructure.
Through their discussions the mayors develop common positions on matters of vital public interest that they can then bring forward to the federal government and their respective provincial governments. The congress wraps up Saturday.
Today, the mayors will discuss cultural affairs and what it means to be a “creative city.” Andrew Whittemore, HRM Manager of Community Development will present on the burgeoning interest in community development. Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee, known for his sharp budget pencil, will lead a session on operational funding. Andy Fillmore, Manager, Sustainable Environment Management for HRM will present the many challenges for municipalities to become more sustainable, while Halifax Stanfield International Airport CEO Tom Ruth will speak to the many ways air transportation can stimulate the economy.
This evening, the mayors will hear from Eastlink CEO Dan McKeen about how municipalities can connect with their communities through community cable broadcasting.
Please see the attached agenda fr more information.
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Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly
Chairman of Atlantic Mayors’ Congress
902-490-4010
