Meeting of Provincial-Territorial Deputy Ministers Responsible for Local Government

Saint John, New Brunswick, Thursday June 26, 2025 – Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Local Government met this week to discuss areas of common interest, such as local infrastructure needs and challenges associated with housing and growth. They shared key initiatives undertaken by their respective ministries over the past year to address local government priorities, including local governance and municipal capacity challenges.

Ministers and delegates also met with the Honourable Gregor Robertson, the federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, and reiterated the need for initiatives to align with provincial and territorial government priorities. Ministers emphasized the exclusive jurisdiction of their governments in local and municipal matters and restated the importance of the need for early engagement with provinces and territories during the design phase of programs regarding municipalities. Ministers also noted federal infrastructure initiatives must recognize the different needs of diverse communities in each province and territory and contribute to sustainability.

 “Local governments throughout our country are finding innovative ways to work toward sustainability over the long term, and we all benefit from sharing ideas and experiences,” said Aaron Kennedy, New Brunswick’s Local Government Minister and chair of the annual meeting.

The Housing and Growth Working Group presented its report which built on substantial work done in previous years and various measures implemented by provincial and territorial governments. These measures aim to fast-track development and building permit approvals. Ministers emphasized the importance of increased infrastructure funding to support housing supply and affordable homes.

 “Affordable housing is needed everywhere in Canada,” Kennedy said. “The working group has done an excellent job in highlighting the many programs and initiatives in each province and territory, as we all work to meet this challenge and find new ways to build more housing.” New Brunswick presented details of its work on local government fiscal reform, which recently saw the amendment of legislation to establish a new funding model for local governments. Ministers shared actions taken by their own governments to modernize municipal funding policies in their jurisdictions.

Minister Dan Williams will host the next year’s Meeting of the Table of Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Local Government in Alberta.

For information, contact:

Jennifer MacNeil
Jennifer.macneil2@gnb.ca