The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about efforts we are making to help municipalities as they navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have long been known to support one another during difficult times. As we all learn to live with COVID-19 for the foreseeable future, government will continue our support to communities in our province. We will build on our strong relationship with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador to bring the best solutions to our community leaders.

We are proceeding with our regular Municipal Capital Works projects and we are currently in the process of notifying communities so they can prepare and begin construction on their projects. We are also proceeding with notifying recipients of the next round of Investing in Canada Plan projects.

Mr. Speaker, recently we announced new measures to help municipalities and local service districts, including a temporary local preference provision to the Public Procurement Regulations. This process presents a more timely process for municipalities, which results in quotes being obtained in approximately a week compared to a Request for Proposals process, which can take up to two months. The department also has a dedicated procurement team to assist with conducting these limited calls over the next few months.

I was also pleased last week to join the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, in announcing more than $31.5 million under the Gas Tax Fund to Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2020-21 fiscal year. In addition to more than $21.7 million for 276 communities, there is also $8.9 million for the Provincial Waste Management Strategy as well as funding for the Water and Wastewater Initiative. With the impact of COVID-19 on our communities, it was important municipalities receive the full amount of the Gas Tax Fund upfront this year so they can continue to strengthen services and build critical infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, now, more than ever, we need to be there for all of our communities and their residents as we continue to live with COVID-19.

Thank you.