McNeil addresses Halifax council, talks government co-operation

HALIFAX – Stephen McNeil addressed Halifax Regional Council Tuesday, promising more government co-operation on important municipal issues.

The leaders of Nova Scotia’s three major political parties were invited to speak to Halifax Regional Council before election day, but the Liberal leader was the only one to follow through.

McNeil spoke for 10 minutes during the afternoon council meeting. He emphasized how the relationship between the province and the municipality is “one of mutual respect”.

“I see the biggest single challenge for the new provincial government — whoever it is — is starting to build on the trust issue,” he said. “The government is going to have to begin to work with municipal leaders across the province and have them believe we’re actually their partner in decision making.”

McNeil stressed that the provincial government would take a step back from issues that do not fall within its jurisdiction.

He gave the example of the province acting strictly in step with municipal decisions regarding land use.

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“After you’ve made a decision, it’s the responsibility of the provincial government to respect the decision of council,” he said.

He also spoke about the specific concerns of the municipality.

McNeil said the province would be a funding partner with the city on issues such as public transportation.

“We will rely on you and Metro Transit to help us distribute that money in the most appropriate way,” he said.

He added that the province would advocate to the federal government on behalf of infrastructure issues in the city.

McNeil also mentioned lighthouses, saying they have a deep history in Nova Scotia and that the province and municipality should work together to approach the federal government to preserve the icons.

If not, he said both levels of government have a duty to work with local communities to keep the lighthouses intact.

As he wrapped up, McNeil reminded council of his rural roots and commented that a vibrant economy outside urban areas is critical.

“There are very few products that arrive in rural Nova Scotia that don’t come through Burnside Industrial Park,” he said. “The quicker we can deal with the issue of moving goods and services in and out of Burnside, the better off all Nova Scotians will be.”

Eastern Passage-Cole Harbour MLA Becky Kent spoke on behalf of the NDP while Andrew Black, a candidate in the Halifax Citadel-Sable Island riding, spoke on behalf of the PC party.