PRINCIPLES DEVELOPED FOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH OTTAWA

At last week's meeting of provincial and territorial ministers in Quebec City, Ministers responsible for local government developed a set of high-level principles (see complete list attached) to facilitate discussions and negotiation of agreements with the federal government.

The Ministers agreed that consultations should occur with provinces and territories before the federal government enters into any initiatives aimed at Canada's municipalities. The ministers further agreed that the jurisdiction of provinces and territories over municipalities should be reinforced with Ottawa and that the different needs, priorities and specific conditions in each province and territory should be recognized.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to consulting our municipalities about pertinent federal initiatives through our Municipal Forum," Government Relations Minister Len Taylor said. "The forum has already established a working group on the federal government's New Deal for Cities and Communities which I know will speed negotiations."

Taylor said he welcomes federal money to assist Saskatchewan municipalities, provided that Ottawa continues to consult, respect provincial jurisdiction, and recognize that different provinces and municipalities have different needs and priorities.

Taylor used the meeting to brief his counterparts on Saskatchewan's priorities for municipalities, such as consolidating the Urban and Rural Municipal Acts, federal infrastructure program negotiations, and supporting initiatives that increase opportunities for rural economic development.

Saskatchewan has been working hard with the federal government to establish the funding levels and criteria for the New Deal program.

The provincial and territorial ministers urged that a meeting be held as soon as possible on the New Deal with their federal counterpart, Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities) John Godfrey.

As chair of the Ministers Responsible for Local Government, Taylor has been in contact with Godfrey, and they have agreed to work toward a ministers' meeting involving the federal government and the provinces and territories in early November.

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For More Information, Contact:

Maureen Boyle Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306) 787-5959