The Honourable Barry Petten, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, today announced $75,000 for Phase One of the Community Respect Initiative, a new multi-year project led by Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and the Professional Municipal Administrators of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Community Respect Initiative will build a clearer understanding of the harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and personal attacks facing municipal leaders, staff and community members, and identify practical tools to strengthen respectful participation and engagement in local government.

Provincial and territorial ministers responsible for local governance have identified addressing harassment and code of conduct concerns as key priorities across Canada. These issues can affect safety and contribute to stress and burnout.

To respond, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Professional Municipal Administrators of Newfoundland and Labrador formed a working group to identify solutions and supports for municipalities in the province.

Financial support for the Community Respect Initiative is provided through the department’s Special Assistance Grant Program, and the initiative will roll out in three phases:

• Phase One (2026-27): Engagement, research, and baseline evaluation.
• Phase Two (2027-28): Development of awareness campaigns, supports and training resources.
• Phase Three (2028-29): Evaluation and planning for future actions.

Phase One will gather data, engage stakeholders, and lay the foundation for long-term action in the phases ahead.

This investment reflects the Provincial Government’s commitment to healthy, inclusive and resilient communities, where respectful engagement and strong local leadership can thrive throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Quotes
“Municipal leaders and staff deserve to serve their communities in an environment that is respectful and safe. This investment will help municipalities address harassment and code of conduct concerns, strengthen local governance, and build healthy, resilient communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Together, we can make respect the foundation of local leadership in every community.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

“We’re thrilled to see this initiative moving forward. Harassment is a significant issue facing our members, and municipal leaders and staff need to know they have the support and resources to address it. Everyone serving in local government deserves to feel safe and respected in their workplace and community. We appreciate the Provincial Government’s investment in this important work and look forward to continuing to work together to foster a more respectful and supportive environment for those who serve our communities.”
Amy Coady
President, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador

“Municipal administrative professionals play a critical role in supporting local government and ensuring that municipalities operate effectively and responsibly. However, the reality is that many face increasing challenges, including harassment, intimidation, and disrespectful behaviour in the workplace. This should never be considered an acceptable part of serving in local government. Respectful municipal governance is about more than how decisions are made; it is also about how people treat one another throughout the process. We thank the Provincial Government for their support and collaboration on this initiative; as it is an important step toward fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and professionalism, where elected officials, municipal staff, and residents can work together constructively.”
Connie Reid
President, Professional Municipal Administrators of Newfoundland and Labrador

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