Halifax, March 20, 2019 – The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM) applauds the Government of Canada for continuing to build federal-municipal partnerships in the 2019 Budget. This budget will deliver major benefits that will impact the daily lives of Canadians by getting more funds directly to their local governments.
NSFM Vice President, Pam Mood, said, “Budget 2019 has a number of positives for Nova Scotia municipalities. Growth in the Gas Tax Fund will help communities deliver even more infrastructure projects like better roads, bridges and transit. The national broadband strategy will help deliver reliable, province-wide internet. Access to the internet is essential to Nova Scotia communities when it comes to attracting businesses and residents”.
Province-wide, high speed internet has been a priority of NSFM and it is expected the federal announcement will support and enhance the $193 million internet funding trust being administered by Develop Nova Scotia.
The budget also works to provide continued funding for housing initiatives and builds on success of past federal-municipal partnerships between the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green Municipal Fund. “Support for FCM is good news for NSFM,” says Mood. “Our organizations work closely together to build better lives for Canadians by delivering results at the local level”.
NSFM continues to advocate on behalf of our members for our five annual resolutions: reform of the CAP, Extended Producer Responsibility for consumer packaging, new sources for municipal funding, modernization of municipal governance, and a new funding model for roads.
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About NSFM: The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM) has been the collective voice for municipal governments across the province since 1906. With 379 members comprising Mayors, Wardens and councillors, NSFM represents the interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within provincial jurisdiction. Members include all 50 of Nova Scotia's municipalities.