Nova Scotia Minister Promises Urgent Communication on Resource Projects

URGENT UPDATE: Nova Scotia’s Municipal Affairs Minister, John A. MacDonald, has just announced a commitment to enhance communication with municipalities regarding major natural resource projects. At the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities conference in Halifax today, MacDonald emphasized that boosting the economy through energy initiatives is crucial for increasing municipal revenue.

During a key session, MacDonald responded to pressing questions from outgoing federation president Pam Mood, the mayor of Yarmouth, about the province’s approach to engaging residents and building trust in controversial projects such as fracking for onshore natural gas, uranium mining, and offshore wind development. “The bigger the project, the more people have concerns, and communication is going to be key,” MacDonald stated to an audience of mayors and councillors.

Municipalities have expressed significant concerns about a lack of communication, particularly following policy shifts like the lifting of the uranium mining ban, which spurred a petition gathering 7,000 signatures against the move. The Nova Scotia Assembly of Mi’kmaw Chiefs has also raised alarms over insufficient consultations regarding resource development.

MacDonald acknowledged the challenges and reiterated the need for improved communication processes. “We have to be working together,” he remarked, stressing that mutual dialogue is essential for addressing these critical issues.

In response to Mood’s inquiry about securing new revenue sources for municipalities without solely relying on property taxes, MacDonald reiterated his focus on economic growth. He stated, “Unleashing the power that we have with Wind West and critical minerals is what will help families settle here and thrive.”

As part of his agenda, MacDonald is embarking on a tour of municipalities to understand local needs better. He indicated that funding is a top priority, particularly in light of the recent federal budget promising $51 billion over ten years for local infrastructure improvements.

However, MacDonald cautioned that he needs more details on how these funds will be allocated. “I’m loving the number, but once we get into the details, I’ll have a better answer,” he said.

During the conference, MacDonald was also questioned about a new provincial framework for fire services in Nova Scotia, currently undergoing a six-month consultation process. While he did not commit to specific requests for predictable funding for fire services, he assured attendees that the province is actively gathering feedback from local governments and fire departments to shape the new model.

As Nova Scotia navigates these complex resource management issues, the focus remains on fostering transparency and collaboration between the provincial government and municipalities. The implications of these discussions are significant for communities across Nova Scotia as they seek sustainable development and economic growth.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the Nova Scotia government works to address these pressing concerns.