Bills tabled by Liberal MLAs in the legislature today will encourage collaboration between municipalities and the provincial government – something that has been lacking under the Houston government this legislative session.

 

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality Charter Act tabled by Sydney-Membertou MLA Derek Mombourquette would recognize the unique demographic and economic challenges of the province’s second largest municipality, which has been ignored by the Houston government this mandate.

 

An amendment to the HRM Charter proposed by Hammonds Plains-Lucasville MLA Ben Jessome would give HRM Council the certain ability to provide property tax relief for businesses destroyed by the wildfires this past summer.

 

An amendment to the Municipal Government Act tabled by Municipal Affairs shadow minister Lorelei Nicoll would require the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to respond to requests for legislative changes within six months to foster a more collaborative relationship between the province and municipalities.

 

“The bills tabled by our MLAs show our caucus’ willingness to work with municipalities for the greater good of all Nova Scotians,” said Opposition Leader Zach Churchill. “We are facing generational crises right now, especially in housing, that will only be solved by working alongside other orders of government. This legislation will support the unique needs of communities across the province to overcome many of today’s challenges.”