Minister Allain just announced a process for significant municipal reforms.
The launch includes a website outlining the process, including a timeline. UMNB is one of the key stakeholders at the table right now, and we’ll be on the committees & working groups. There will be consultation before & after the May municipal elections, a public Green Paper (discussion document) in March, and a position paper by the end of 2021.
Our job is to ensure your voice is heard. We’ll be asking for your participation and input over the coming weeks & months, and we’re counting on you to tell us what you think. (Fortunately, local leaders are rarely shy about sharing opinions!) In the meantime, you can always reach me at alex.scholten@vonm.ca and our ED Margot at margot.cragg@umnb.ca.
Municipal reform is long overdue, and it’s a huge opportunity for our communities. There’s been 23 studies on reform since the late 1960’s, so we know what the issues are; it’s time to work on solutions. To get this right, local leaders in our communities like yourselves – from urban and rural, cities to villages, both official languages – need to be included in the conversation. Roll up your sleeves – it’s time to get to work.
– Alex Scholten, UMNB President