News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

June 18, 2021

Manitoba Completes Term as Chair of Provincial-Territorial Table of Ministers Responsible for Local Government

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Manitoba Demands Action from Federal Government to Help COVID-19 Recovery Efforts

At the conclusion of Manitoba’s two-year term as chair of the Provincial-Territorial Table of Ministers Responsible for Local Government, Manitoba continued its call for the federal government to support provinces and territories in the work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Municipal Relations Minister Derek Johnson announced today.

“Local governments at all levels are feeling the burden of the pandemic and we continue to press the Government of Canada to more fully support these efforts,” said Johnson. “As the outgoing chair of the Table of Ministers Responsible for Local Government, it has been an honour to work alongside my provincial and territorial counterparts to address similar issues and challenges.”

Manitoba chaired the virtual gathering, where provincial ministers of local government from across Canada championed a number of issues with multiple federal ministers. The resounding call on the Government of Canada was to ensure federal initiatives are flexible and aligned with provincial and territorial priorities. Manitoba pressed the federal government to further support municipal infrastructure improvements in many areas such as roads, waste-water treatment and public transit. Provinces and territories also called for increased federal support for areas such as affordable housing and homelessness.

“One of the key issues we shared with the federal government is the ongoing concern from municipalities around the consultation requirements under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure (ICIP) program. The lack of clarity around consultation requirements is causing confusion for municipalities and delaying critical infrastructure projects,” added Johnson.

Manitoba’s term as chair concludes with many goals accomplished including pressing the federal government for substantial and timely federal funding to help local governments continue to deliver essential services to Canadians during the pandemic.

 
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