Municipal Government Act Review Gets Underway

Nova Scotians can provide input on the Municipal Government Act
as part of a review announced today, Sept. 30, by Municipal Affairs Minister Zach Churchill.

The Department of Municipal Affairs is working with the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities and the Association of Municipal Administrators to carry out the review over the next three years.

“We believe it is a good time to look at the legislation to make sure municipalities have a modern and practical legal framework for governing,” said Mr. Churchill. “We want municipalities to have the required tools to build strong, viable communities while delivering efficient and cost-effective services to their citizens.”

The present act will be divided into six sections for the review. They are governance, fiscal responsibility, business and economic growth-planning and development, program and service delivery, public safety, and villages.

“This is an opportunity to hear from Nova Scotians about what their municipal governments may look like in the future,” said Mr. Churchill. “Feedback from people and municipalities will be important for the success of this review.”

“The review is a top priority for the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities,” said Keith Hunter, president. “We look forward to working with the province and the Association of Municipal Administrators to recommend legislative changes identified through the Towns Task Force, fiscal review and resolutions.”

Nova Scotians can provide input by visiting www.novascotia.ca/dma/mga-review/ . This online consultation will close Nov. 9. Feedback from the survey will be used to identify areas for further research. The website will be updated as the review progresses.

Source: Release