Our People. Our Place. Our Potential. That is the underlying theme that will be celebrated this week in Gander as municipal leaders throughout the province gather for Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador’s 62nd Annual Convention and Trade Show.
Attending this event for the first time in her role as Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, MNL welcome’s Honourable Kathy Dunderdale. Other guest speakers include Minister of Municipal Affairs, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Councillor Karen Leibovici, Director General – Regional Operations ACOA, Ken Martin, President and CEO of Nalcor Energy, Ed Martin and Vice-President of Operations for Newfoundland Power, Gary Smith.
Chairing his first Annual General Meeting since becoming President last year Churence Rogers says he is pleased with this year’s agenda and looks forward to welcoming more than 150 municipalities and 750 delegates, partners, guests, sponsors and exhibitors. “I’m excited to announce that this year’s convention is like no other.
Together with MMSB, we have developed a green policy and have made waste reduction a priority to reduce our overall environmental footprint.” Noted Rogers, “From electronic voting to reusable coffee mugs, we’ve considered the environment along every step of the way to greatly reduce the carbon footprint of this event.”
Educational sessions offered throughout this 3-day event include a presentation by Municipal Assessment Agency on property assessment. The Multi Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) will present an update on their indiscriminate dumping study and FCM’s Policy Advisor Shannon Joseph will deliver a presentation on the new federally imposed wastewater regulations and how it impacts our province. “Training and networking is a huge part of our convention,” noted Rogers. “Our members make the most of this event to hear about the innovative ways that councils are overcoming the challenges they all face as municipal governments.”
The Tidy Towns Awards Ceremony and Luncheon sponsored by Atlantic Lottery Corporation is a popular feature of the convention and this year more than 47 communities will vie for top honours in community beautification.
The Trade Show component will take place at the Gander Community Centre and will host more than 60 exhibitors.
Saturday’s itinerary includes the MNL Annual General Meeting, Resolutions Session and regional caucus lunches. “One of the resolutions we will be debating is to develop a long term strategic plan for the municipal sector in this province,” continued Rogers. “Municipalities are overburdened, underfunded, and work hard to deliver essential services to residents. Now is the time for the province to demonstrate leadership by committing to a clear plan of action for our sector similar to those for energy, youth retention, poverty, climate change and tourism.” Rogers noted.
MNL believes in honouring our towns and the leaders who volunteer on behalf of their communities. The Department of Municipal Affairs will sponsor an awards banquet on Saturday night, where they will honour long serving members of municipal council.
The convention wraps up with the presentation of MNL’s Torngat Municipal Achievement Awards. These awards recognize accomplishments in the categories of Municipal Awareness, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, Regional Cooperation and Governance.
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Media contact: Gail Woodfine
Tel: (709) 753-6820 Toll free: 800-440-6536