CEO’s Report for the 2025 AGM
Welcome to the 75th Conference and Annual General Meeting of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. As we mark 75 years, it’s a time to reflect on our history and look forward to the future of our communities and province.
The past year has been one of growth and change. We welcomed new team members, launched and expanded programs, and achieved key advocacy wins that strengthened the sector. Throughout 2025, MNL supported members through municipal, provincial, and federal elections, the rollout of new municipal legislation, and the realities of an unprecedented wildfire season and economic uncertainty.
We extend a warm welcome to all new and returning councillors and mayors elected last month. MNL’s Make Your Mark campaign encouraged residents to run, volunteer, and vote. While some municipalities still experienced acclamations or vacancies, others saw their first contested elections in decades and a greater diversity of candidates. These are positive signs for the future of local democracy.
This year, we continued delivering long-standing programs while introducing new ones. The Housing Capacity-Building Program expanded across the province, helping towns access funding and plan for housing and infrastructure. We also launched three major initiatives—Tomorrow’s Towns, Climate-Ready NL, and the Municipal Financial Support Program—each designed to help municipalities build capacity and sustainability.
On the advocacy front, 2025 was a year of momentum. Under the leadership of our new Director of Advocacy and Communications, Alexis Foster, MNL advanced member resolutions, secured funding for firefighter training and wastewater monitoring, and engaged actively with all parties during the provincial and federal elections.
As we approach our 75th anniversary in 2026, we are building a stronger, more vibrant municipal sector together.
Sector-Leading Solutions (Programs)
Throughout 2025, MNL has strengthened existing programs and launched new ones to better serve members.
The Municipal Financial Support Program, launched with the Department of Municipal Affairs and Community Engagement, has already unlocked over $600,000 for more than 20 municipalities, helping towns improve financial management and stability.
Launched in January, Tomorrow’s Towns is a two-year initiative supporting sustainability projects, funded by the federal Employment and Social Development Canada. We’ve hosted regional workshops and webinars on topics such as food security, heritage preservation, and climate action. Over 20 municipalities are developing projects that will make their communities more resilient.
Climate-Ready NL, delivered in collaboration with the Stewardship Association of Municipalities, the NL Association of Fire Services, and Professional Municipal Administrators, and funded by FCM’s Green Municipal Fund, aims to help 100 municipalities assess climate risks and develop emergency and adaptation plans a strong example of partnership in action.
The Housing Capacity-Building Program continued success in 2025, unlocking over $50 million in housing-related funding, with an additional $170 million in applications underway.
Finally, our Make Your Mark campaign, in partnership with the Department of Municipal Affairs and Community Engagement, PMA, and Equal Voice NL, encouraged residents to see themselves as local leaders. The response was inspiring, with many new names appearing on ballots across the province.
A Seat at the Table (Advocacy)
Advocacy remains central to MNL’s mission.
A major milestone came with the Royal Assent of the Towns and Local Service Districts Act, modernizing municipal legislation after years of effort. MNL also advanced all 2024 member resolutions, securing increased funding for firefighter training and wastewater monitoring and obtaining commitments on several others.
During this year’s federal and provincial election periods, MNL presented policy platforms to all parties, ensuring municipal priorities were understood. Since the election, we’ve begun engagement with Premier Wakeham and his new government to advance these priorities. Federally, MNL participated in FCM’s Advocacy Days in Ottawa, meeting with MPs, Ministers, and Senators to discuss infrastructure, cellular service, public safety, housing, and climate resilience.
Our goal remains constant: ensuring municipalities have a strong, respected seat at every decision-making table.
Strengthening Our Organization (Corporate)
MNL’s strength as an organization is integral to our ability to serve members. In 2025, we reinforced internal governance, financial management, and long-term sustainability.
We modernized key documents, including the employee handbook, Board manual, and finance policies, with input from consultants and committees. Financially, our partnership with MNP Financial Services provides quarterly updates and multi-year forecasts to ensure stability and informed planning.
This internal work enables us to deliver high-quality programs, advocate effectively, and meet the evolving needs of our members.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to celebrate MNL’s 75th anniversary in 2026, we do so with gratitude and determination. The coming year will see a new strategic plan, developed in collaboration with members and partners, to guide us into the next 75 years.
We’ll continue strengthening financial management, housing readiness, sustainability, and climate resilience, while deepening advocacy to ensure local governments have the tools and support they need.
On the advocacy front, 2026 will be an important year for us to develop our relationship with the new provincial government and ensure the needs of local government are front-and-centre on the agenda.
2026 will mark the first full year for newly elected councils, and MNL will be there every step of the way, offering guidance, training, and a platform for collective action.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded that MNL’s success comes from you, our members. Together, we’ve built an organization that stands strong for local government and for the communities that form the heart of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Here’s to the next 75 years of strong, sustainable, and vibrant municipalities.