Northern Mayors Begin Meeting With Ministers

Northern Mayors Begin Meeting With Ministers

Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 14:01

 

 

Northern municipal leaders have begun talks with provincial politicians today as part of New North’s annual roundtable meeting with government ministers in Prince Albert.

 

The meeting is scheduled to wrap up by 3:30 pm, but organizers admit it may stretch past that as there is a lot to talk about.

 

Topics up for discussion include infrastructure needs in the North and an update on the status of funding for them.

 

As well, the touchy subject of the northern fire policy is also on the agenda, in addition to a presentation by the Department of Community Resources on northern housing.

 

New North chairperson Ina Fietz-Ray says the need for partnerships between government, communities and other groups is another area that needs close attention.

 

Fietz-Ray says she is optimistic about how the government ministers will respond to these issues, noting this morning’s opening dialogue went well.

 

She admits New North’s executive hasn’t had a whole lot of time to prepare for today session, but she feels the northern mayors and councillors ready.

 

Today’s session is happening behind closed doors. Organizers say they hope that format will spur clear and frank discussion between both sides.