Welcome to MNL’s 75th Annual Conference, Trade Show and Annual General Meeting. Reaching this milestone is an opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships and shared commitment that have shaped Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador since 1951. It is also an opportunity to look ahead and consider how we can continue strengthening local government for the next 75 years.
Our organization has grown considerably since representatives from 16 towns first came together. Today, MNL represents municipalities and Inuit Community Governments across Newfoundland and Labrador, advocating for the communities where approximately 91% of our province’s population calls home. While the needs of our communities have evolved, the importance of strong local leadership and a united municipal voice has remained constant.
Throughout the past year, MNL has continued to build on this foundation. We have expanded programs, strengthened relationships, supported municipal capacity and worked to ensure that the experiences and priorities of our members inform decisions affecting their communities. At the heart of this work is a simple commitment: to provide meaningful value to our members and help municipalities meet the challenges and opportunities before them.
One of the most significant undertakings this year has been the development of MNL’s updated strategic plan, which we are pleased to present to members at this year’s Annual General Meeting.
The process has provided an important opportunity to reflect on our role, assess the needs of our membership and establish a clear direction for the years ahead. Working with our consultant, we engaged members through numerous methods throughout the year, alongside conversations with partners, stakeholders and representatives from all orders of government.
The message we heard was clear: MNL provides important value through its advocacy and the programs and services that help municipalities build capacity, address challenges and pursue opportunities. Members value having an organization that brings their concerns forward, connects them with resources and creates opportunities to learn and work together.
This feedback has helped shape our understanding of where MNL can have the greatest impact. The updated strategic plan provides a foundation for aligning our efforts with member priorities, strengthening our partnerships and ensuring our resources continue to support the needs of the municipal sector. We look forward to working with our members to put this plan into action.
Our management team saw some changes in 2026, including the return of Ben Noseworthy to MNL as Director of Programs, bringing valuable experience and continuity to our work.
Our programs remain an essential part of how MNL supports municipalities. This year, we continued to expand our work in areas that respond directly to the needs identified by members.
Through the Regional Prosperity Partnership, we welcomed two new officers to help advance regional collaboration and support communities in identifying opportunities for sustainable growth and development. This additional capacity will help strengthen connections between communities and partners working toward shared regional priorities.
We were also pleased to welcome back Kim, our Financial Services Coordinator, who has travelled throughout the province to provide direct financial support to municipalities. This work helps municipal leaders and staff navigate financial challenges, strengthen management practices, and build a stronger foundation for long-term sustainability.
Climate Ready NL entered another field season, with additional community visits providing information and resources to help municipalities update emergency response plans and better understand the role of natural assets in climate resilience. This work supports communities as they prepare for environmental risks and consider how natural features can contribute to public safety and infrastructure protection.
Tomorrow’s Towns also continued to develop, with the introduction of the Tomorrow’s Tour creating new opportunities to connect with communities, share experiences and showcase local approaches to sustainability. Meanwhile, our Housing Capacity-Building Program has evolved to focus more closely on understanding the barriers municipalities encounter when trying to advance housing development. By listening to communities and examining these obstacles, we can better identify practical supports that help move housing opportunities forward.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate the importance of programs that are responsive, collaborative, and grounded in the realities facing municipalities.
Advocacy continues to be a defining part of MNL’s work. Over the past year, we have focused on building our relationship with the new Provincial Government while maintaining engagement with federal partners and other stakeholders.
MNL has participated in numerous legislative and policy reviews, providing opportunities to share the municipal perspective and help ensure that proposed changes reflect the realities of local government. We have worked closely with members to understand their concerns, identify common priorities, and bring forward opportunities to improve the policies, funding programs and supports available to communities.
The strength of our advocacy comes from the collective experience of our membership. Municipalities face different circumstances, but many share common challenges relating to infrastructure, fiscal capacity, housing, public safety, and community sustainability. By bringing these perspectives together, MNL helps ensure that the municipal voice is informed, consistent and heard at decision-making tables.
As we celebrate 75 years, we have much to be proud of and much to look forward to. Our progress is the result of members who share their experiences, municipal leaders who champion their communities, partners who work alongside us and staff who are committed to delivering on our mandate.
I extend my sincere thanks to our Board of Directors for their continued guidance, support, and dedication, and to our staff, members, and partners for the contributions they make to MNL’s work.
We are proud to represent the communities where 91% of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians call home. That responsibility motivates us to keep improving, keep listening and keep finding ways to support local government.
Our 75th anniversary is a celebration of how far we have come, but it is also a reminder of what we can accomplish together. With our updated strategic plan guiding the way, we look forward to building on our strengths, deepening our partnerships and continuing to deliver value to our members for the next 75 years.
