July 2015 edition of FPEIM's Electronic Newsletter. 

We have seen many encouraging indications from the new MacLauchlan Government on our priority issues.  We welcome the Honourable Robert Mitchell as the new Minister of Communities, Land and Environment and look forward to a positive and productive working relationship.  I had an excellent face-to-face meeting with Minister Mitchell, and came away with a sense of optimism that municipal issues will be addressed.  Working together, we can achieve the solutions that are needed.
 
The Provincial Legislature continued to sit well into the month of July as the budget debate continued.  The 2015-2016 Provincial Budget was finally approved by the Legislature on July 10.  However, there are some concerns for municipalities that have been raised by the Federation.  Municipal grants were frozen this year.  This highlights the importance of addressing the need for fair and predictable revenue for municipalities.  In addition, the current budget does not provide funding for any new projects under the Island Community Fund.  This program supported many worthwhile projects over the past several years.
 
The Budget included $6 million for the combined federal and provincial allocations under the BCF Small Communities Fund.  Several municipalities have submitted applications and are waiting for approval.  With the construction season well underway and a federal election on the horizon, we have a narrow window to get projects approved.  I have raised this matter directly with Ministers and hope it will be resolved soon.
 
I believe there are interesting times ahead.  The Federation continues to be optimistic that we are well positioned to deal with key issues as we continue into the early days of the first year for our new provincial government.   We will keep you informed.
 
I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their summer.
 
Bruce MacDougall,
President

Islanders invited to participate in creation of Water Act

FCM Calls for Federal Leaders' Debate on Municipal Issues

In under 100 days Canadians head to the polls to elect the next federal government. The race is tight and the stakes are high.  A global recession is threatening. Extreme weather events are increasing.  Mayors and municipal leaders, working with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), have developed a bold vision to move our country forward. Innovative solutions to our national challenges are found in our cities towns and communities.

So far three out of four national federal party leaders have agreed to debate how they would strengthen Canada by strengthening our hometowns.

Sign the petition for a federal leaders’ debate on issues that matter to our communities. Let all federal party leaders know you want to hear their plans for issues that matter in cities, towns and rural communities from coast to coast to coast.