MNL elects new board members, passes resolutions to support childcare, electoral reform and municipal code of conduct at 2021 annual general meeting 

Corner Brook, NL – The 2021 Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Conference and Trade Show wrapped in Corner Brook today with the election of three new directors to the board and the passing of three MNL board resolutions to support childcare in the municipal sector, municipal electoral reform, and code of conduct.

More than 300 people gathered at the Corner Brook Civic Centre from November 3 to 6 for the first MNL in-person event since 2019 to take in over 30 sessions, a trade show and keynote speeches from Corner Brook Mayor Jim Parsons, Qalipu Chief Brendan Mitchell, Premier Andrew Furey, and Municipal and Provincial Affairs Minister Krista Lynn Howell. A women’s leadership summit kicked off the event on November 3.  Saturday’s conference events also included the Premier’s Forum on Local Government, focused on regionalization, and a panel discussion with the newly elected Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, and Federation of Canadian Municipalities President Joanne Vanderheyden. The panel was hosted by MNL President Amy Coady and livestreamed on Facebook.  

Joining the board for the next two years will be: 

  • President: Councillor Amy Coady, Grand Falls-Windsor (acclaimed)
  • Vice-President: Councillor Trina Appleby, Torbay
  • Central Director: Mayor Percy Farwell, Gander
  • Small Town Director: Councillor Lynn Ellsworth, Roddickton-Bide Arm
  • Urban Municipalities Director: Mayor Craig Scott, Torbay (acclaimed)
  • St. John’s Director: Mayor Danny Breen (appointed)

Other resolutions voted on by the membership included support for paramedicine and rural ambulance services, and support for the implementation of photo radar ticketing in municipalities.  

“This has been a truly rewarding event for our members. We’ve received so much positive feedback from them, many of whom were first-time councillors. They were happy that we could gather safely in person, and they appreciated the rich content available. I am especially pleased to welcome new board members to the organization and to know that our members support important advocacy items like childcare, electoral reform and code of conduct that will certainly move the sector forward in a positive direction, ” Amy Coady, MNL President.