Agenda – 2024 MNL Conference

The 2024 MNL Conference, Trade Show, and AGM happens November 7-9 at the Joseph R Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre, Steele Community Centre, and Quality Hotel and Suites in Gander. A full agenda will be sent to registered delegates the week of the conference.

Please note: This is a preliminary agenda, and items will continue to be added as details are confirmed. This page is subject to changes and updates. 

Session locations legend:

Arts and Culture Centre Theatre

Arena and Trade Show floor

Steele Community Centre Cafeteria

Sports Hall of Fame

Quality Hotel and Suites

Thursday, Nov. 7

7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Registration
Location: Arena Lobby

7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Networking Breakfast for Women and Gender-Diverse Individuals
Location: Quality Hotel, Salon A

Guest speaker: Nicole Kieley, Deputy Mayor, Mount Pearl

Sponsored by the Office of Women and Gender Equality

Hosted by Tina Neary, chair of the MNL Women and Gender Diverse-Individuals Committee, and featuring speaker Nicole Kieley, Deputy Mayor of Mount Pearl, plus the presentation of the MNL Leadership Awards.

Note: Attendance is restricted to women and gender diverse individuals. If you have not yet confirmed your attendance at the networking breakfast, please register here.

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Coffee and tea service, Trade Show
Location: Trade Show Floor (Community Centre Arena)

Sponsored by belairdirect

Start your day with a coffee or tea while browsing the Trade Show and chatting with your municipal colleagues.

9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Keynote Address by Shaun Majumder: Rewriting the Rural Story
Location: ACC Theatre

Shaun Majumder, along with Burlington Mayor Rudy Norman, discusses his work with ‘OME in Burlington, showcasing how rural tourism can revitalize small-town economies in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sponsored by Cal LeGrow

10:15 to 10:45
Nutrition Break and Trade Show
Location: Arena

Sponsored by Trio Benefits

10:45 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
Fireside Chat with Shaun Majumder and Mayor Rudy Norman
Location: ACC Theatre

Presenters: Shaun Majumder, Rudy Norman, Bradley Power

Shaun Majumder, Mayor Rudy Norman, and MNL’s Director of Programs Bradley Power explore ‘OME’s beginnings and its transformative impact on Burlington.

Sponsored by Cal LeGrow

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Luncheon
Location: Quality Hotel

Sponsored by Ocean Choice International and Icewater Seafoods.

1:45 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Enhancing Municipal Waste Management: Partnering with Producer Responsibility Organizations
Location: ACC Theatre
Presenters: Mona Rossiter, Viviana Ramírez-Luna, Michelle Marley

To learn more about the resources available to your municipality, join representatives from the Electronic Products Recycling Association, Product Care, and the Used Oil Management Association for a panel presentation and Q&A on how these programs can collaborate with your municipality to improve waste management programs and services.

Modernizing Property Assessment
Location: Trade Show Floor (Arena)
Presenter: Michael Warr

Learn how the Municipal Assessment Agency have modernized property assessment through technology and industry best practices. This session will provide attendees with practical examples on how different types of real property is assessed and how technology has impacted this process.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Administrative Staff
Location: Community Centre Cafeteria
Presenter: Chris Torraville, Jenna Vokey, Jordon Blackwood, Mayor Philip Tobin

This will be a panel discussion with municipal administrative staff and elected officials led by Professional Municipal Administrators representative Chris Torraville, Town Clerk Manager, Town of Peterview; PMA Treasurer and Chair of Professional Development Committee.

2:45 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Standing Against Hate: Municipal Leadership for Anti-Racism
Location: ACC Theatre

Presenters: Dr. Sobia Shaheen Shaikh, Doménica Lombeida

Grounded in anti-racism principles, this session will explore how municipalities can take a proactive role in addressing racism and hate. We will discuss how communities can address incidents of racist hate and discrimination. Participants will leave with practical insights into how your municipality can stand firmly against hate and ensure racial equity is a core pillar of local governance.

3:45 p.m. to 4:40 p.m.

Trio Fall Caucus Meeting
Location: ACC Theatre
Presenters: Tony Pollard, Mary Galway, Doug Brake

TRIO will provide MNL members with an update on the latest news concerning pension plan solvency and the 2025 rates for the health care program.

Municipal Assessment Agency’s 2024 Operational Report
Location: Trade Show Floor
Presenter: Don Hearn

The Municipal Assessment Agency offers ethical and equitable property assessment services within Newfoundland and Labrador. They are responsible for both residential and commercial property assessments within the province, with the exception of the City of St. John’s. Come join CEO Don Hearn as he delivers the Agency’s Annual Operational Report, followed by a Q&A session.

Amendments to the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations
Location: Community Centre Cafeteria
Presenter: Corrine Proux

The Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations came into force in 2012 and set national effluent quality standards that can be met through a secondary level treatment. The Amendments provide an opportunity for communities to apply for an extension to the end of 2030 or 2040 to meet the effluent standards of the Regulations. Small communities issued a transitional authorization would also have less monitoring and reporting burden to allow them to focus their resources towards planning their upgrades.

4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Work Integrated Learning Connections at CNA : Accessing Student Talent to Support Community Needs
Location: ACC Theatre
Presenter: Ashley Nguyen

This presentation will provide an overview of work integrated learning opportunities at CNA. Work integrated learning is a fantastic way to access talent to address needs within your community, while supporting students on their learning journey. WIL is a win-win experience for all participants, and this presentation will provide you with the information you need to get involved.

Your Municipality and the Green Economy: Funding and Opportunities for Collaboration
Location: Trade Show Floor
Presenter: Kieran Hanley

Since 2018, econext has been a catalyst in Newfoundland and Labrador for climate change action within municipalities and regions. econext has resources to help communities understand how they can prepare for changing weather patterns and also reduce their contribution to climate change. econext is keen to work with you to understand how these tools can be used to reinforce your economic growth and development priorities and support your municipality’s success – and this presentation will outline how that can work.

An Approach to Building Well-Being Communities
Location: Community Centre Cafeteria
Presenters: Dr. Pat Parfrey, Lynn Taylor

Explore how municipal leaders can collaborate with groups, organizations, and individuals to foster well-being in their communities by addressing key factors such as civic engagement, environmental sustainability, healthy living, and social inclusion. Attendees will gain insight into the importance of holistic approaches for well-being that prioritize the health, happiness, and resilience of all residents, and how to take meaningful steps towards creating vibrant, connected, and equitable spaces and places for all.

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Meet-Up for Indigenous Delegates
Location: Art Gallery (Arts and Culture Centre)

A time for all Indigenous-identifying attendees to gather – be you elected officials, municipal/Inuit Community Government staff or whatever other function brings you to our Conference. 

7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies
Location: ACC Theatre

Sponsored by Newfoundland Power

Keynote address: Paige London, Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Newfoundland Power.

Greetings from partner organizations, including Recreation NL, Professional Municipal Administrators, NL Occupational Health and Safety Association, Canadian Public Works Association, NL Association of Fire Services, NL Association of Police and Municipal Enforcement Officers.

Announcement of the James Hiscock Memorial Scholarship recipient.

8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Trade Show and Welcome Reception
Location: Arena, Trade Show Floor

Sponsored by Newfoundland Power

Live music by ‘G&T’

Cash Bar. An assortment of hot and cold appetizers will be served

Friday, November 8

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Registration
Location: Arena Lobby

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Intergovernmental Breakfast: Strengthening Municipal, Provincial, and Federal Ties
Location: Arena

Join provincial and federal elected representatives for this informal networking breakfast. The following federal and provincial ministers have confirmed their attendance: MP Yvonne Jones, MHA John Haggie, MHA Fred Hutton, MHA Scott Reid, MHA Paul Pike, MHA Steve Crocker, MHA Elvis Loveless, MHA Paul Lane, MHA Eddie Joyce.

8:35 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
From Land Claims to Self-Government: The Nunatsiavut Experience
Location: ACC Theatre

Presenter: First Minister Melva Williams

Overview of the Nunatsiavut Government, the relationship with the Inuit Community Governments and achievements and challenges

9:35 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.
From fish sticks to Son of a Critch – 100 years of Memorial’s influence: Keynote Address by Memorial University Chancellor Earl Ludlow
Location: ACC Theatre

9:55 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
RCMP Current Issues – Policing in NL
Location: ACC Theatre

Presenter: Patrick Cahill, RCMP Assistant Commissioner

Join Patrick Cahill, RCMP Assistant Commissioner and Commanding Officer of the RCMP for Newfoundland and Labrador for a discussion on crime trends, drugs, serious crimes, future plans and needs, resourcing, and the RCMP structure.

10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Nutrition Break and Trade Show
Location: Arena

Sponsored by Municipal Assessment Agency

11:00 a.m. to 12:30
Regional Caucus Meetings

Join your regional colleagues for an open discussion of the topics and issues facing your region and community.

• Avalon and St. John’s: ACC THeatre
• Eastern Region: Sports Hall of Fame
• Central Region: Trade Show floor
• Western Region: Community Centre Cafeteria
• Northern Region: Meeting Rooms 1 and 2, Steele Community Centre
• Labrador Region: Art Gallery, Arts and Culture Centre

12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Luncheon
Location: Quality Hotel

Sponsored by Stewart McKelvey

2:30 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.
Social Media and Your Mental Health
Location: ACC Theatre

Presenter: Dr. Matthew Chow

Join Dr. Matthew Chow as he discusses the impacts of social media and online interactions on the mental health of municipal councils and employees.

3:30 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.
Youth Council Debate
Location: Gander Town Council Chambers

Presented in partnership with the NL Youth Parliament, this special session provides youth an opportunity to experience a municipal council debate.

3:30 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.

Cyber Security Awareness Training for Municipalities: Getting Back to the Basics!
Location: ACC Theatre
Presenter: Chris Thomas

Find out how training your municipal employees to be more cyber-aware can increase user awareness, stop breaches, protect data, and foster diligence. In this session, we will review our training modules and demonstrate how easily a cybersecurity training program can be implemented within even the smallest municipality.

Labour and Employment Law 101 for Municipalities
Location: Trade Show Floor
Presenter: Stephen Penney

Managing employees is complicated and often touches a variety of different legal areas – employment, labour, human rights, workers compensation, occupational health and safety, and privacy. Many of these areas overlap and some involve special considerations in the municipal sector. This session is designed to provide a broad overview of some of the legal issues we encounter with our municipal clients, and to help avoid some common pitfalls.

Town Purpose: How Can MAPA Help
Location: Community Centre Cafeteria
Presenters:

Lori Evoy, Dawn Chaplin, Holly Scott-Walsh, Angela Pomeroy

The new Towns and Local Service Districts Act defines the purpose of a town. This session will focus on how MAPA can support municipalities with respect to their town purposes.

4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Prize Draws
Location: Trade Show Floor

5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Social for Youth Delegates
Location: Alcock and Brown’s restaurant in the Quality Hotel

Conference delegates aged 35 and under are invited to attend this social to meet the youth council session participants, MNL’s youth committee, and mingle with MNL’s board of directors.

8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Hospitality Night
Location: Quality Hotel

Sponsored by Cal LeGrow and the communities of Central Newfoundland
Live music by West of Town
Cash bar, light snacks will be served

Saturday, Nov. 9

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Registration
Location: ACC Lobby

9:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.

Tools for Reducing Administrative Impacts: A Conversation on ATIPP Practices for Councils
Location: Sports Hall of Fame
Presenter: Sonja El-Gohary

An overview of the tools within the ATIPP Act that can assist with administrative impacts, as well as non-legislative steps towns and councils take to assist coordinators and improve compliance with the Act. It will also provide opportunity for participants to ask questions and discuss topics of interest.

Tomorrow’s Towns: Sustainability through Placemaking
Location: ACC Theatre
Presenters: Rob Nolan and Kathleen Parewick
Note: session ends at 9:30 a.m.

An introduction to Tomorrow’s Towns, a new program from Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, funded by the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Grant Program. Learn how this initiative supports towns in using placemaking to build stronger, healthier communities with local projects focused on heritage, the environment, food security, and climate action.

Creative Communities: The Impact of Recreation on Growing Healthy Communities
Location: Community Centre Cafeteria
Presenter: Steve Martin

Imagine a world where we can utilize recreation to inspire community growth with positive health benefits to your residents. In actual fact, we’re doing it right now! Join Recreation NL as they talk about the importance of recreation in your town, the common barriers that prevent community growth and a showcase of some of the top creative communities in the province.

9:30 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.
Leading the Way: MMSB’s Role in Sustainable Waste Management in NL
Location: ACC Theatre

Presenter: Charles Bown, MMSB CEO

For more than 25 years, MMSB has been a leader in supporting and promoting sustainable waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador through its recycling programs, public education activities and funding initiatives.  As the primary source of research and practical engagement with community, industry and educational stakeholders, MMSB is uniquely positioned to provide insight on waste management in the province.  

10:10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Nutrition Break
Location: Art Gallery

10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Climate collaborations: Supporting your municipal sector team
Location: ACC Theatre
Presenters: Kathleen Parewick, Duane Antle, Myrna Goosney, Zachary Burrows

This latest installment in our climate change action series brings together speakers from each of our municipal sector-representing organizations to discuss how we work together to better address the range of climate risks affecting Newfoundland and Labrador communities. Hear from the Stewardship Association of Municipalities (SAM), Newfoundland & Labrador Association of Fire Services (NLAFS), Professional Municipal Administrators (PMA) and MNL on the kinds of challenges we are encountering and the ways we can support one another’s work on everything from more climate resilient infrastructure to enhancing our regional emergency responsiveness.

Housing: Your Funding Application Guide
Location: Sports Hall of Fame
Presenters: Bradley Power, Ben Noseworthy, Brian Coleman

This comprehensive session will provide detailed insights into the various funding programs available through NL Housing and the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund. This session is an essential opportunity for those working in housing development, community planning, and social services to learn about available financial resources, understand application processes, and explore how these programs can be leveraged to create sustainable and affordable housing solutions.

Canoe Procurement Group of Canada: Program Updates and Strategies for Procurement Efficiency
Location: Community Centre Caffeteria
Presenter: Sarah Hubble

Join Canoe Procurement Group of Canada for an informative session covering updates on both new and existing programs, upcoming educational webinars, and procurement solutions designed to support members in urban and rural areas. With over 70 programs available to members in Newfoundland, come see how Canoe helps municipalities, nonprofits, and other public sector organizations streamline their procurement processes, while maintaining compliance.

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Luncheon
Location: Quality Hotel

Sponsored by Eastern, Central, and Western Regional Service Boards

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Annual General Meeting
Location: Quality Hotel

AGM agenda:

• Call to Order
• Land Acknowledgment
• Moment of Silence
• Introduction of Parliamentarian and Adoption of Standing Rules
• Approval of the Minutes of the 73rd Annual General Meeting
• Address by Affiliate Presidents
• President’s Report
• Chief Executive Officer’s Report
• Finance Report and Adoption of 2023 Audited Financial Statements
• Advocacy Report
• Membership Report
• 2024 Resolutions
• Proposed New Bylaws
• 2025 Proposed Membership Fees
• Election of Officers
• Concluding Motions and Adjournment

6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Appreciation Banquet
Location: Quality Hotel

Sponsored by the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs
Presentation of the Long Service Awards