Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Local Government

VICTORIA – The 2002 Provincial/Territorial Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Local Government concluded in Victoria today.

          Hosted this year by George Abbott, British Columbia Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services, this annual meeting is an opportunity for ministers to exchange information on local governance priorities within their jurisdictions. All provincial and territorial governments were represented at the meeting.

          “We all have a better appreciation of the issues facing each province and territory and the respective local governments,” said Abbott. “We’ve come together from around the country, to discuss the issues, initiatives and innovations in the local government arena.”

          This year’s meeting featured wide-ranging discussions on several key topics, notably local government financial issues. Recognizing the changing demands on the provinces and municipalities, the ministers discussed evolving revenue sources, enhancing economic competitiveness of Canadian municipalities, and strategies for efficient service delivery.

          The ministers were unanimous in their support of the Premiers' call to address the fiscal imbalance between the provincial and federal governments. Remedying the fiscal imbalance would enable provinces and territories to better deal with their key priorities. The ministers recognize the urgency of this issue, and committed to work collaboratively to address the full range of policy and financial issues in the municipal sphere.

          Acknowledging the federal government's growing interest in financial support for municipalities, the ministers reinforced the importance of respecting the exclusive constitutional responsibility of the provinces and territories for municipal affairs.

          The ministers also discussed opportunities to assist building relationships between local governments and First Nations. The purpose was to determine the capacity within local government to cultivate harmonious and productive relationships with First Nation governments. This topic was one of great interest to a number of the participants, who are committed to strengthening these relationships.

          Updates on safe drinking water policy and procedures were presented to the ministers with a focus on implications for local government. Actions taken by the provinces and territories to meet drinking water safety needs were presented.

          Many provinces are responding to the challenges resulting from growth and development, sparking an interesting comparison of alternative smart growth approaches. Information on economic, social and environmental challenges was exchanged, and growth strategies presented. The ministers expressed an interest in continuing to look at these issues, as well as specifically focusing on issues facing rural and resource-based communities.

          “This forum allows us to discuss challenges facing our communities, common themes we share, and discover new ways to work with local governments from around the country,” said Abbott.

          Prince Edward Island will host the 2003 Provincial/Territorial Ministers Meeting.

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Contact: 

          Marisa Adair
          Communications Director
          Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services
          Public Affairs Bureau
          Phone:
          Office: (250) 953-3677
          Cell: (250) 920-8500
          Email:
          Marisa.adair@gems7.gov.bc.ca