Advocacy is one of the most important ways Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) delivers value to its members. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are reminded that our strength has always come from municipalities working together to address shared challenges and advance solutions that benefit communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Throughout 2026, MNL has continued to champion the priorities of our members, ensuring their experiences and concerns are brought forward in conversations with governments and other key partners. Our advocacy is grounded in the resolutions adopted by our membership and guided by our strategic pillars: regionalization, sustainable municipal infrastructure, municipal fiscal stability, equity, diversity and inclusion, climate resilience, and community health and safety. Together, these priorities provide a clear direction for our work and help ensure our efforts remain focused on the issues that matter most to municipalities.
This year, MNL has advanced advocacy on a range of issues that directly affect municipal operations and the ability of communities to serve their residents. We continued to engage the provincial government on the Municipal Capital Works and Multi-Year Capital Works programs, providing a white paper informed by member feedback and recommending improvements to funding eligibility, risk-mitigation preparatory work and administrative processes.
We also contributed to the review of the Municipal Elections Act, gathering feedback from members and submitting recommendations to strengthen the legislation, including provisions for eligible campaign expense reimbursement. On the Highway Traffic Act, MNL brought forward municipal concerns about e-bikes and e-scooters, highlighting gaps in the current legislation and the importance of clear rules that support public safety.
Supporting those who serve our communities has also remained a priority. Working with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the Professional Municipal Administrators, MNL has advanced a coordinated approach to addressing harassment of municipal elected officials and staff. This work includes improving access to supports and training, developing a public awareness campaign, and pursuing opportunities for legislative change.
MNL continued to advocate for volunteer fire departments, recognizing their essential role in community safety. The additional $7 million allocated to fire departments and emergency services in the 2026 provincial budget is a welcome investment. We will continue to advocate for the resources municipalities and volunteers need to respond effectively to emergencies.
Reliable cellular connectivity remains another key concern, particularly in rural and remote communities where coverage can be critical to emergency response and public safety. Through ongoing engagement with provincial and federal decision-makers, MNL continues to press for improvements that recognize connectivity as an essential service, not a luxury.
We have also supported municipalities navigating federal wastewater requirements by helping connect them with training, information and potential secondary-treatment solutions. This work reflects our commitment to ensuring municipalities have access to the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions and plan for future obligations.
Our progress is made possible by the engagement of our members. This year, MNL placed renewed emphasis on helping municipalities understand the resolutions process and identify opportunities to collaborate. We are encouraged by the record number of resolutions submitted, including joint resolutions that demonstrate the value of working together on common priorities.
As Chair, I am proud of the work being advanced on behalf of our membership and grateful to the Board, municipal leaders and staff who contribute their time, expertise and perspectives to our advocacy efforts. Every conversation, submission and resolution helps strengthen our collective voice.
As we look ahead, MNL will continue to listen to our members, build constructive relationships with government and advocate for practical changes that strengthen local government. Our 75-year history demonstrates what municipalities can accomplish when they stand together. With our members’ priorities guiding the way, we will continue working to ensure municipalities have the support, resources and recognition they need to build strong, sustainable communities for generations to come.
Town of St. Lunaire-Griquet
MNL submitted recommendations for additional support for volunteer fire departments and emergency services as part of the 2026 provincial budget process. We welcomed the additional $7 million allocated to support fire departments and emergency services in the 2026 budget. MNL will continue to advocate for increased funding to address the training, equipment and operational needs of volunteer fire departments through the 2027 budget process.
MNL Board of Directors
MNL has been working closely with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the Professional Municipal Administrators (PMA) to develop a coordinated approach to addressing harassment in the municipal sector. Three key areas of action have been identified: strengthening access to supports, including mental health resources and training; delivering a public awareness campaign on the impacts of harassment; and advocating for legislative changes. Work is ongoing across all three areas to ensure municipal elected officials and staff have the support and protections they need to serve their communities safely and effectively.
MNL Board of Directors
MNL continues to raise concerns with the provincial government, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and relevant stakeholders about the challenges municipalities face when navigating Code of Conduct matters. Our advocacy is focused on identifying opportunities to strengthen guidance, support and accountability, while helping municipalities manage these issues fairly and effectively. This remains an active file, and MNL will continue working with government and sector partners to advance practical solutions.
Town of Paradise
Changes to the Multi-Year Capital Works and Municipal Capital Works programs raised significant concerns among municipalities this year. In response, MNL gathered member feedback and developed a white paper outlining recommendations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of these funding programs. A key recommendation was to make eligible risk-mitigation preparatory work fundable, helping municipalities address project risks and advance infrastructure projects. MNL continues to emphasize the importance of this resolution through ongoing discussions with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister Petten.
City of Mount Pearl
MNL successfully advocated for a review of the Municipal Elections Act and worked with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, PMA and municipal members to inform the process. Following member engagement and consultation, MNL submitted recommendations to modernize the legislation and better reflect the realities of municipal elections. We are awaiting the findings of the review and will continue to advocate for changes that support fair, accessible and effective local democratic processes.
City of Mount Pearl
As part of the review of the Municipal Elections Act, MNL included a recommendation to permit reimbursement of eligible municipal campaign expenses. This recommendation responds to concerns about the costs associated with seeking municipal office and aims to help reduce financial barriers to participation in local democracy. MNL will continue to advance this proposal as the legislative review progresses.
City of Mount Pearl
The use of e-bikes and e-scooters emerged as a significant concern for municipalities this year, with growing public discussion about safety, enforcement and the challenges associated with their use in communities. MNL successfully advocated for a review of the Highway Traffic Act and met with Minister Goosney to discuss gaps in the current legislation. We also hosted a member roundtable to gather municipal perspectives and submitted recommendations for consideration as part of the review. Enforcement challenges were a key theme in our submission. MNL is awaiting the government's response and will continue to advocate for clear, practical rules that support public safety and reflect municipal realities.
