New Municipal Government Act becomes law on Saturday
Prince Edward Island’s new Municipal Government Act “is a modern approach to local governance,” says Robert Mitchell, minister of Communities, Land and Environment.
His department is responsible for administering the new act, which takes effect Saturday, Dec. 23. By establishing consistent rules and procedures for municipalities, and providing them with greater authority, flexibility and discretion, the intent of the act is to help cities, towns and rural municipalities better serve their residents. “The act will raise the standards of services municipalities provide their residents, and will result in more transparent and accountable governments,” Mitchell suggested.
Bruce MacDougall, president of the Federation of P.E.I. Municipalities, champions the act’s arrival, describing it as “another important step towards the vision for sustainable and viable municipalities.”
The new MGA replaces the current Municipalities Act, Charlottetown Area Municipalities Act and the City of Summerside Act.
Some of the changes the new act brings relate to municipal council composition and conduct, administrative expectations, how elections are held, new structure and service requirements, powers of the minister, accessing municipal information and privacy protection, municipal jurisdiction, and financial requirements.