Day Two – Morning Session at the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress:

Mayors call for action to meet needs of Atlantic Canadian Municipalities

(HALIFAX, NS - Thursday, April 7, 2011) Atlantic Canadian Mayors voiced their strong disapproval and frustration this morning at the government’s lack of support for municipalities as they work hard to support the people and communities of the region.

Following a presentation by Brock Carlton of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Mayors from across the region joined together in strong support of FCM, and in a motion by Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee and Mayor Billy Joe MacLean, President of UNSM, called upon all parties, party leaders and candidates in the current federal election to clearly explain their commitment to creating stable and predictable funding programs that will effectively replace programs fully expended, and renew the partnership with municipalities in addressing the vital infrastructure needs in communities across Canada.

“Atlantic Canadian municipalities are driven to provide for communities by being resourceful and efficient,” said Congress Chairman Mayor Peter Kelly. “As a group, Atlantic Mayors expect no less of the other levels of government.”
Other areas that will be covered today and Friday include municipal demographic trends and climate adaption planning, regional tourism and development, and municipal fiscal environments. Representatives from HRM will also provide an update on funding of Public Sector Pension Plans.

Formed in 2001, the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress meets twice a year to share information and to seek economic benefits through shared resources. Meetings continue today and Friday, but are not open to the media either day. Mayors will be available to speak with media at Halifax City Hall after 4 p.m. on Thursday and after the sessions wrap up at noon on Friday.

Resolution: Infrastructure Funding

-30-

Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly
Chairman, Atlantic Mayors’ Congress
Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality
902-490-4010