As we gather in St. John’s to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, it is an opportunity not only to look back on the year behind us, but to reflect on the journey that brought us here.
In 1951, representatives from 16 towns came together to form what would become Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. Seventy-five years later, MNL represents 264 municipalities and 5 Inuit Community Governments from across Newfoundland and Labrador, united by a shared commitment to strengthening the communities we call home.
Throughout those 75 years, our communities have experienced tremendous change. During my time as President, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand how much can happen in a relatively short period of time. We have navigated a global pandemic that changed the way we live, work, and interact with one another. Our members have responded to significant natural disasters and emergencies, changes in governments and legislation, elections, economic pressures, and many other challenges that have tested the strength and capacity of local government.
Through each of these challenges, one thing has remained constant: the resilience of our municipal sector.
Time and again, elected officials, municipal staff, volunteers, and community partners have stepped forward to put the needs of their residents first. They have faced difficult decisions, responded to unexpected circumstances, and embraced new opportunities, often with limited resources and competing demands. Their willingness to continue serving their communities through every challenge is something that deserves to be recognized and celebrated.
Over the past year, MNL has continued to advocate for municipalities and ensure that the municipal voice is heard when decisions affecting our communities are being made. We have been actively engaged in provincial reviews of legislation and policy, including the Municipal Elections Act, Highway Traffic Act, Regional Revitalization Strategy, red tape reduction and ATIPP, bringing the perspectives and priorities of our members to those conversations.
Just as importantly, we have continued to listen. Through regional meetings, committees, consultations, and direct conversations with municipalities, we have heard about the challenges communities are facing and worked to bring those concerns forward to our provincial and federal partners. We remain committed to working collaboratively to find practical solutions that strengthen local government and the communities we serve.
This year has also been about strengthening relationships. MNL has worked with all orders of government, Indigenous partners, community organizations and other stakeholders to build stronger partnerships and ensure municipalities have a meaningful place at the table.
We have also continued to expand programs and partnerships that respond to what we hear from our members, including the Financial Services Program, Housing Capacity Building, Climate Ready NL, Tomorrow’s Towns, and the Regional Prosperity Partnership.
But as we celebrate 75 years, our greatest focus should remain on the people behind municipal government. The history of MNL is ultimately a history of people who chose to serve their communities — people who believed in the importance of local leadership and who worked together to make their communities stronger.
It is remarkable to look back at how far we have come since those 16 towns came together in 1951. Our sector has changed, our communities have changed and the challenges facing municipalities have changed, but the commitment to serving our residents remains as strong as ever.
I am incredibly proud of what MNL and our members have accomplished over the past 75 years, and especially proud of the resilience, dedication, and leadership I have witnessed throughout my time as President.
As we celebrate this milestone, I have every confidence that the same spirit that brought municipalities together 75 years ago will carry us forward. There will undoubtedly be new challenges, obstacles, and opportunities ahead, but I know that, together, we will continue to adapt, advocate, support one another and reach new heights.
Here’s to the next 75 years of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador — and to the people who will continue to make our communities stronger.
Thank you for your continued trust, engagement, and commitment to MNL. It is an honour to serve alongside you.
