On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to present the 2026 Membership Report for Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL).
As we celebrate 75 years of supporting local government, we recognize the important role our members have played in shaping our association and strengthening communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
I wish to thank the Membership Committee, MNL Board of Directors, Management Team and Staff, and our partners and sponsors for their continued dedication to delivering meaningful value to our members.
Throughout 2025–2026, MNL continued to strengthen its programs, expand partnerships, and provide practical support to municipalities facing increasingly complex financial, operational, and community development challenges.
MNL remains committed to providing a strong collective voice for municipalities while delivering programs and services that respond to the evolving needs of our members.
Through advocacy, professional development, shared purchasing opportunities, and direct municipal support, MNL helps communities reduce costs, strengthen governance, access funding, and build local capacity.
Membership engagement and retention remain important indicators of the value municipalities place on their association.
During 2025–2026, MNL continued to advance initiatives addressing key priorities for municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Housing Capacity Building Program – Supporting municipalities in identifying housing opportunities, navigating funding programs, and overcoming barriers.
Municipal Financial Support Program – Providing hands-on financial assistance and training to strengthen financial accountability, build local administrative capacity, and help municipalities regain access to funding opportunities.
Climate-Ready NL – Helping municipalities better understand climate-related risks and strengthen community resilience through training, natural asset planning, and emergency preparedness resources.
Tomorrow's Towns – Supporting sustainable community development through collaboration, regional initiatives, and innovative approaches to strengthening local communities.
Regional Prosperity Partnership – Encouraging regional economic development through collaboration, shared resources, and initiatives that help municipalities identify and pursue economic opportunities.
Together, these programs demonstrate MNL's commitment to providing practical solutions that support communities of all sizes.
MNL Advantage continues to provide tangible financial and operational benefits to municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Through strategic partnerships with service providers, MNL helps members reduce costs, access specialized expertise, and streamline municipal operations.
The program offers a comprehensive range of services, including:
Procurement and Purchasing Services – Through the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada, members benefit from cooperative purchasing arrangements that provide competitive pricing on equipment, vehicles, infrastructure supplies, and other municipal goods and services. Canoe also generates administration fee revenue for MNL, supporting member services without increasing membership fees.
Municipal and Employee Insurance – MNL's partnership with Cal LeGrow provides municipalities with access to comprehensive municipal general insurance coverage tailored to their needs. Through belairdirect, municipal councillors and employees can access preferred home and auto insurance arrangements. TRIO Benefits also provides access to group health and life insurance, pension and retirement savings programs, and employee assistance services.
Legal and Professional Support – Stewart McKelvey provides legal referral services to assist municipalities in accessing professional advice on governance, employment, regulatory, and other municipal matters. MNL also provides access to human resources advice and professional development opportunities that strengthen municipal administration.
Travel and Accommodation Benefits – Preferred rates and services are available through Enterprise Rent-A-Car, LeGrow's Travel, and participating hotels throughout the province, including the Capital Hotel, JAG Hotel, Quality Inn, Albatross, and Glynmill Inn. These arrangements help reduce the cost of municipal travel, meetings, and professional development.
Telecommunications and Business Services – Through TELUS Business, members can access telecommunications and internet service options designed to support efficient municipal operations.
Together, these partnerships demonstrate MNL's commitment to delivering membership value beyond advocacy and representation. By leveraging the collective purchasing power of municipalities, MNL helps members achieve cost savings, improve service delivery, and access resources that strengthen local government.
Strong partnerships remain essential to MNL's success in delivering programs and supporting municipalities.
MNL continues to work with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Government of Canada, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, educational institutions, professional associations, and community organizations.
Our partnerships with College of the North Atlantic, Memorial University, and Professional Municipal Administrators continue to support training, applied research, professional development, and succession planning within the municipal sector.
Collaboration with organizations involved in housing, climate resilience, financial sustainability, and regional economic development further expands the expertise and resources available to members.
These relationships allow MNL to leverage shared knowledge and funding opportunities while delivering services that individual municipalities may not have the capacity to undertake independently.
MNL events continue to play an important role in professional development, networking, and strengthening relationships across the municipal sector.
The 2025 Conference, Trade Show and AGM in Corner Brook, the 2026 Municipal Symposium in Gander, regional meetings, UMC, Summer Sessions and others provided opportunities for municipal leaders and administrators to exchange ideas, explore emerging challenges, and learn from one another.
These events also provide valuable opportunities for MNL to hear directly from members, ensuring that their priorities and experiences continue to guide the association's work.
As municipalities continue to face rising costs, infrastructure pressures, housing challenges, and increasing administrative responsibilities, MNL remains committed to strengthening municipal capacity and delivering measurable value to members.
Our priorities include improving access to membership benefits, expanding professional development, strengthening partnerships, and supporting practical solutions that respond to the needs of communities of all sizes.
As we celebrate MNL's 75th anniversary, we reflect with pride on the progress achieved through collaboration, innovation, and the dedication of municipal leaders throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
While challenges remain, our municipalities continue to demonstrate resilience and a strong commitment to the communities they serve.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the Membership Committee, Board of Directors, MNL Management Team and Staff, and our many partners and sponsors for their contributions over the past year.
Most importantly, I thank our members for their continued engagement, support, and confidence in their association.
Together, we are strengthening local government, building more resilient communities, and shaping a sustainable future for Newfoundland and Labrador.
