News Release
Day Three - Final Day at the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress:
Mayors support National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, urge removal of immigration cap
(HALIFAX, NS - Friday, April 8, 2011) -On the final day of their Congress, Atlantic Canadian Mayors supported a resolution to recognize the need for a National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and adopt its implementation.
Moved by Conception Bay South Mayor Woodrow French and Mayor Billy Joe MacLean, President of UNSM, the resolution supports a Federal government strategy announced in June 2010 that will create two “centres of excellence” in the design and building of both combat and non-combat ships. A decision on the two locations chosen for these centres is expected in the coming months.
Congress Chairman Mayor Peter Kelly recognized the potential a National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy would have as a significant economic driver for the country and the region.
“As Atlantic Canadians we recognize Canada’s rich maritime asset and wholeheartedly endorse this strategic approach to realizing the full potential of the industry,” said the Congress Chair. “As a Congress, we also strongly advocate for this region and its long history as a shipbuilding centre of excellence.”
To address the need to build the population base of Atlantic Canada, Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside and Mayor David Hanson, President of UMNB, moved to write to the Prime Minster and the Minister of Immigration urging them to remove the cap on the proposed policy on immigration for Atlantic Canada.
“The municipalities of Atlantic Canada are made up of vibrant and resourceful people,” said Mayor Woodside. “In order to meet our growth strategies we, as Mayors, must work together to add to our population through immigration, benefitting from the rich and diverse addition to our communities.”
This morning the Mayors’ Congress also heard from Kevin Lacey, director, Atlantic Canada for the Canadian Federation of Taxpayers (CFT). The Mayors asked CFT to be a greater advocate for the municipalities of Atlantic Canada and the role they play in providing the communities and people of Atlantic Canada with the infrastructure and services they need.
Finally a presentation on Sustainable Energy Initiatives in HRM was given. It included updates on climate change, clean water and corporate efficiency programs as well as HRM’s strategic approach to reinvesting energy savings into other energy initiatives.
Formed in 2001, the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress meets twice a year to share information and to seek economic benefits through shared resources. Meetings adjourned today at noon. The next Atlantic Mayors’ Congress will take place from September 21-23, 2011 in Happy Valley, Goose Bay. Recaps of the three-day Congress are available online at http://www.halifax.ca/mediaroom/pressrelease/releases.html
Resolutions: National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and Removal of Immigration Cap
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Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly
Chairman, Atlantic Mayors’ Congress
Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality
902-490-4010
