MNL Calls for Investment in the Municipal Sector as Provincial and Federal Budget Day Approaches

For Immediate Release
April 5, 2022

St. John’s, NL –  In advance of Thursday’s federal and provincial budget day, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador is calling on both levels of government for sustained investment in the municipal sector in this province.

Municipalities deliver critical programs, essential services, and key infrastructure for people at a local level. Local leaders require resources and partnerships with both levels of government to do so. Leading up to budget day, MNL has been clear with the provincial and federal governments on the needs of its members. In its pre-budget consultation submission, MNL asked the provincial government to:

  • Protect the current investment of $22 million in municipal operating grants;
  • engage in longer-term infrastructure planning with a refocus on a sustainable municipal-provincial fiscal framework;
  • commit to new investments to support a regionalization process;
  • ensure that municipalities have the tools and resources to support vulnerable populations in the province.

Municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador face significant infrastructure challenges now and into the future. Climate change is increasing these pressures. Compliance with the Federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations alone will require significant new investment. MNL is calling on support from both levels of government to address these needs.

“MNL looks forward to a solutions-focused, collaborative approach with both the provincial and federal government as we strive to resolve our members’ fiscal challenges. We need investment in our sector. We need planning and we need flexible funding tools. A seat at the table will help ensure that decisions are right-sized and meet the needs of our members.” – MNL President Amy Coady

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Media Contact:

Tobias Romaniuk
Communications and Marketing Officer, MNL
709 725 1440
tromaniuk@municipalnl.ca