MNL Cautiously Optimistic After Meeting with Minister on Boil Water Advisories

March 9, 2020

St. John’s, NL – Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) President Sheila Fitzgerald had a productive meeting today with Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, Derrick Bragg, to discuss challenges with municipal drinking water and how to solve them.

Two key issues were confirmed in this meeting: the decision to withhold capital funding from municipalities will apply to those with a boil water advisory in place for over two years, not one year as previously reported; and the province is working on a support program specifically for those municipalities affected by this decision. Fitzgerald says she is pleased to learn that more supports are coming to help those communities affected.

“While the sector was not consulted during the initial planning,” stated Fitzgerald, “we appreciate that the Minister has agreed to work with MNL on a drinking water working group to address long-term solutions.” MNL will also be providing new training and advisory support to municipalities struggling with drinking water challenges.

Fitzgerald concluded, “Clearly, municipalities under long-term boil water advisories need to prioritize drinking water. However, they require additional funding and supports to get them there.” Fitzgerald says both the Department and MNL are committed to helping the sector address it’s drinking water challenges.

-30-

Contact:
Deatra Walsh – Director of Advocacy and Communications
Cell: 709-986-2771 l email: dwalsh@municipalnl.ca

Gail Woodfine – Communications and Public Relations Coordinator
Cell: 709-725-1440 l email: gwoodfine@municipalnl.ca

MNL mailing address is
79 Mews Place, St. John’s, NL  A1B 4N2