The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, hosted the 2021 Premier’s Forum on Local Government today in Corner Brook. Premier Furey was joined by the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and approximately 50 delegates representing communities throughout the province as well as representatives of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and the Professional Municipal Administrators.
Discussions focused on regionalization and the potential it holds for communities and the province overall. Input was gathered from delegates to help determine a model for regional governance and on what elements will be required for it to be successfully implemented in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The benefits were identified and it was recognized that regionalization offers a tremendous opportunity for local government, communities and residents. These benefits include:
- Good local governance and a local voice for all residents of the province;
- Better and more efficient local services;
- Fair and equitable taxation;
- Better integrated planning; and,
- Increased potential for regional economic development opportunities and success.
Extensive consultations on regionalization have been held including through in-person sessions, an engageNL survey, and written and telephone submissions. Most recently, an online survey was conducted with Local Service Districts and Unincorporated Areas.
A Joint Working Group on Regionalization with MNL and PMA was established in 2020 and is finalizing recommendations for the Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs for consideration. It is anticipated their report will be finalized in the coming weeks.
Quotes
“The province is facing challenges on many fronts, notably long-standing financial issues and an aging and declining population. Community leaders, delivering many of the services that people rely on daily, have a unique understanding of the challenges we face and have a central role working with us to find solutions. Collaboration and sharing services is a way to build communities that are vibrant and strong. I thank all delegates for the participation and input in this important discussion.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Regionalization is a way for communities to work together on areas of shared interest for the benefit of an entire region. By pooling resources, regional governments enhance capacity beyond what a single, small municipality can offer. We must find better ways to deliver services and there are already examples of communities coming together to do just that. I look forward to receiving the report of the Joint Working Group on Regionalization and to finalizing a plan for the province.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs
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