Daniel Allain is the Minister for Local Government and Local Governance Reform. (Staff Photo)
Local Governance Minister Daniel Allain faces a tall task if he hopes to continue with the local governance reform process and please many residents.
The province’s fourth public session on the matter covered regional collaboration and land-use planning. During the two hours, more than 100 participants joined the online forum to voice their opinions and concerns.
In many ways, the problems at hand seemed to overlap, however, in some cases, residents found the issues were not present in their community, further emphasizing that this reform will not be a “one-size-fits-all.”
Taxes On Public Resources
Perhaps the most frequently discussed topic was in regard to residents being taxed for resources they did not necessarily ask for.
“Don’t ask us to pay wholesale for something we can’t reasonably access,” said participant Elad Yarom.
Sally McGrath recounted that her community was asked to share the fees for an ice rink, yet some youth could not participate due to certain restrictions. McGrath added that throughout the municipal elections she has found herself questioning what the regional centres proposed by municipal candidates would really do for her community.
This sentiment was not shared by Robert Campbell of Salisbury, who says they share facilities with Petitcodiac, and the arrangement is adequate. Campbell emphasized that some changes will only need to be made for regions where there is an issue.
Representation
Many of the New Brunswickers that currently reside in a local service districted voiced the need for elected officials.
LSDs, which represent 30 per cent of the province, have many of their decisions made by Allain. Participants raised the question of how someone can make decisions with everyone’s best interest at heart, while not being in touch with the community.
Justin Hatt stated that LSDs are not fairly represented on the regional service commissions.
Meanwhile, Hanwell Mayor Susan Cassidy was not in agreeance, stating that she believes most groups are well represented.
Allain chimed in on the importance of the topics at hand.
“We have to make sure that forestry, farming, fisheries are taken care of, that’s what built New Brunswick. How do we build it for the 21st century? We need access to the internet and good roads,” said Allain “If we don’t move forward on regional collaboration, we’ll lose services, we’ll lose infrastructure, but the worst is we’ll lose economic development opportunities.”
Allain adds that finding the equilibrium will help create a better situation for generations to come.
