Political parties need to acknowledge the important roles cities play in New Brunswick’s overall well-being.
Adam Lordon with the Cities of New Brunswick Association made the comment this week in Saint John.
The Miramichi mayor was joined by fellow mayors to outline legislative changes the province can make to help municipalities.
Association president Adam Lordon said things like tax reform and regionalizing services are topics they have been discussing for some time.
“It’s important for us that the conversation stays alive during the provincial campaign and that we get commitments from as many parties and candidates as we can to keep the conversation going in a meaningful, reform-focused way after the election, regardless of who’s the next government,” Lordon said.
The Cities on New Brunswick Association is hosting a news conference at the New Brunswick Museum in #SaintJohn this morning to launch their “8 Cities. One Voice.” campaign. pic.twitter.com/FR4BLiT9AB
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) August 28, 2018
The province has made some progress recently, Lordon said, pointing to the new Local Governance Act designed to give municipalities more power.
But he said provinces should do better and need to stop looking at cities as “the little brother who takes the scraps”.
“They are home to the largest percentage of our population and most of the province’s jobs, they help drive economic growth, help attract new investments, are becoming the location for new skilled immigrants looking to make a life in New Brunswick.”
New Brunswick cities want a share of cannabis revenue, as well as the ability to implement hotel levies and generate non-tax revenue.
