Federation Supports Introduction of Draft Municipal Government Act
In October of 2016 the Board of Directors of the Federation of PEI Municipalities asked that the introduction of the draft Municipal Government Act be delayed until the spring 2017 Session of the Legislature to allow for more time for consultation. Since that time, considerable work has been done in response to recommendations made by the Federation and individual municipal councils. Many amendments have been made to the draft legislation.
In the words of FPEIM President Bruce MacDougall, "We achieved more than I thought was possible over such a short period of time."
The FPEIM Board met again on Friday November 25 and agreed that there was no longer a benefit in waiting for the spring session and has written to Minister of Community, Lands and Environment Hon. Robert Mitchell to request that the revised draft Municipal Government Act be brought before the Legislative Assembly this fall.
FPEIM Makes Presentation to Legislative Standing Committee
FPEIM Executive members presenting submission the PEI Legislature's Standing Committee on Communities, Land and Environment on November 8, 2016
The Federation of PEI Municipalities was invited to appear before the PEI Legislatures's Standing Committee on Communities, Land and Environment to address the topic of Municipal Amalgamation and Annexation. The Federation's Executive appeared before the Committee on November 8, 2016. President Bruce MacDougall led the delegation and put the Federation's position before the MLAs.
Read the FPEIM submission here.
A CBC news item on the presentation is available here.
Unprecedented New Infrastructure Investment
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) applauded major new infrastructure commitments announced in the November 1, 2016 Federal Fiscal Update as transformative for communities of all sizes in every region of Canada.
"These unprecedented infrastructure investments will mean more growth, more jobs and stronger communities," said FCM President Clark Somerville. "Municipalities are ready to partner with this government to deliver truly transformative returns on this investment for all Canadians."
Finance Minister Bill Morneau revealed today that his government will expand Phase 2 of its infrastructure plan: $48-billion over eight years becomes $81 billion over 11 years for transit, social, green and other infrastructure. With Phase 2 funding mechanisms designed to optimize local expertise to deliver local solutions, this plan will deliver historic outcomes for Canadians.
The announcement included a new $2 billion fund to support the infrastructure needs of northern, remote and rural communities. This responds to FCM"s call to invest in capital priorities that might otherwise not be addressed in Phase 2 - including roads and bridges, water and wastewater treatment, septic system upgrades, and a full range of transportation needs.
Read FCM's Public Statement,Full Analysis and Highlights
Read FPEIM's News Release on the announcement.
To showcase the best national accessibility programs among municipalities both large and small, and measure progress towards a fully accessible Canada, the Rick Hansen Foundation has created the Accessible Cities Award. Any municipality in Canada, regardless of population size, is encouraged to apply.
Further details are available here.
Celebrating Canada in 2017?
All events celebrating Canadian history and culture—from major national or international sporting, cultural or artistic events to smaller-scale events held in communities—can showcase our two official languages and acknowledge the country’s English and French-speaking communities. See the Office of the Commissioner’s guidebook for more details on how to make your Canada 150 event truly bilingual.
