The 2000 provincial and territorial conference of ministers responsible for local government concluded in Fredericton today. Hosted by Kim Jardine, New Brunswick Minister of Environment and Local Government, the annual conference provided an opportunity for representatives from across the country to discuss priority issues in their jurisdictions. Discussions centered around provincial and territorial strategies for dynamic, fiscally sound and accountable local governments in the new millennium. The Ministers discussed municipal infrastructure issues and emphasized the importance of placing a high priority on water and wastewater projects.
Negotiations are ongoing with federal counterparts aimed at reaching an agreement by late summer.
This conference provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas on various issues and we were able to learn from each other's experiences. All provincial and territorial governments were represented at this conference. The 2001 conference will be held in Ontario.