News Release
Day Two Wrap-Up at the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress: Mayors Focus on Fiscal Pressures and Economic Opportunities
(HALIFAX, NS - Thursday, April 7, 2011) During the second day of a three-day conference, Mayors from across Atlantic Canada focussed on the mounting financial pressures facing municipalities, the limited means to pay for increasing costs to meet public needs and expectations and the need to seek support both from the other two levels of government and by fostering joint, innovative economic opportunities.
As a follow up to the Day 1 economic symposium and discussion, the Mayors agreed on the need to continue to look for opportunities where a regional approach to attracting new business will secure better results and benefit the entire Atlantic region.
Mayor Peter Kelly, Atlantic Mayors’ Congress Chair, noted the importance of keeping economic development at the top of the agenda for future meetings.
“These gatherings help our region source out solutions to common concerns and share ideas that have proven effective in seeking new development,” said the Congress Chair. “Working together as one strong voice can only serve as a catalyst for attracting business, for solving problems and in gaining the attention of the provincial federal and provincial governments on issues of concern.”
Congress participants were given a presentation on HRM’s pension plan funding, framing issues of significant consequence to all municipalities. Members noted that concerns around funding pension plans have become national concerns, due in part to the market downturn and the positive social trend of individuals living longer and retiring earlier.
On the environmental side, the Mayors were presented with HRM's data on predicted sea level rise, its implications for all coastal communities and the costs of adapting to that eventuality, as well as the costs of not looking forward.
Carrying on with the focus of economic development, John Somers of Nova Scotia Tourism and the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership and Pat Lyall of Destination Halifax provided insight for Congress participants of the crucial need for collaboration on regional tourism initiatives for increased success throughout the region.
Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee said the varied topics all come down to one thread. “Regardless of whether the delegation discussed tourism or pensions, the need to sustain and grow communities comes down to fresh ideas and sustainable revenue streams and our group continues to tap into this regional forum for collective solutions.”
On that subject, Enid Stack of the University of Toronto outlined a recent study on municipal fiscal environments with discussion centering on the experiences of other provinces as to where they have tapped into revenue streams of government to share in the cost of rising financial pressures. Trends such as assessment capping were cited as hurting the very people the policy was designed to assist, while curtailing the very limited revenue sources of municipal government.
Formed in 2001, the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress meets twice yearly to share information and to seek economic benefits through shared resources. Meetings continue tomorrow (Apr.8), but are not open to the media. Mayors will be available to speak with media at Halifax City Hall after the sessions wrap up at noon on Friday.
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Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly
Chairman, Atlantic Mayors’ Congress
Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality
902-490-4010
