Municipalities across the province have been submitting their data from the 2021 municipal elections held on September 28 to the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, as well as follow-up by-elections or special elections that were held as required in several communities.

A few noteworthy statistics from this year’s election data:

• The number of women elected increased by ten per cent compared to 2017;
• There was an overall increase of 2.8 per cent in the number of people putting their names forward for election;
• The majority of those elected (499) were between the ages of 46 and 65; and
• Over 220 people elected were between the ages of 18 and 45.

Note that the provision of gender identity and age was voluntary.

This year, the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs partnered with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador on the province-wide Make Your Mark campaign which encouraged discussions about the importance of diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in municipal governance.

The department has been completing orientation and budget training with councils since the election and continues to be available to assist as they become established.

Quotes
“Municipal governance, and the diversity and inclusion represented on municipal councils, is central to the overall success of communities in the province. I am very pleased to see the increase in the number of females elected. It reflects one of the key goals of the Make Your Mark campaign this year. More diverse and inclusive councils can only have a positive impact on communities and residents. I would like to welcome all new and returning elected officials.”   
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“This is a positive step forward for Newfoundland and Labrador, and for women and gender diverse people. There have been efforts by the Provincial Government and our community partners to encourage underrepresented populations to put their names forward for election. We will continue this important work as we strive for true equality and representation at all levels of government.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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Media contacts
Lynn Robinson
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5449, 691-9446
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

Angela Picco
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 687-4753
angelapicco@gov.nl.ca