Comment is anticipated from municipalities and others who deal with municipal legislation. The minister established the committee in fall 1994 with a mandate to update, modernize and consolidate the legislation governing local government. The committee is proposing combining some 13 current acts into one Municipal Government Act. We want people who deal with municipal legislation to identify areas where they agree, disagree, or agree but would do it differently. The minister said the review is necessary for many reasons.
Municipal legislation is scattered in a variety of statutes.
The powers of the three regional municipalities are in their respective statutes. Most of the law governing towns is in the Towns Act and that of rural municipalities is in the Municipal Act. Boundaries are set under the Municipal Boundaries and Representation Act. Municipal borrowing is regulated under the Municipal Affairs Act and the Municipal Finance Corporation Act. Taxation matters are to be found in the Assessment Act, the Deed Transfer Tax Act and several other acts.