Advocacy Report for 2025 AGM

Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) is proud to reflect on a year of strong advocacy, collaboration, and progress on the resolutions advanced by our membership. Guided by the priorities established at our 2024 Annual General Meeting, MNL has remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that municipal voices are heard at every order of government and that the needs of our communities remain central to policy and funding decisions. 

Advocacy Overview 

Throughout the year, MNL maintained a visible and consistent advocacy presence during both the provincial and federal election periods. Our focus was on ensuring that all political parties clearly understood the realities faced by municipalities and the importance of a strong provincial–municipal partnership. 

Through our “Partners in Progress” election advocacy campaign, we highlighted key municipal priorities including infrastructure investment, legislative reform, community safety, regional collaboration, and sustainable local governance. A coordinated communications and media strategy, supported by a candidate survey, kept municipal issues front and center during both campaigns. 

MNL met with representatives from all orders of government, including newly elected Premier Tony Wakeham, MP Carol Anstey, Federal Minister Joanne Thompson, and outreach to NDP Leader Jim Dinn as well as Former Premier John Hogan. We also issued letters to all Members of Parliament from Newfoundland and Labrador and to provincial ministers to introduce MNL’s work, outline our priorities, and encourage ongoing collaboration. 

Our advocacy efforts were amplified through extensive media engagement on issues such as cellular connectivity, wildfire response, regionalization, and municipal elections. We also launched the “Make Your Mark” and “You for Council” campaigns, encouraging broader participation in local government and strengthening the foundation of municipal leadership across the province. 

Conclusion 

2025 has been a year of meaningful progress and collaboration. From legislative reform and fiscal advocacy to emergency response and connectivity, MNL’s work has strengthened the collective voice of municipalities across Newfoundland and Labrador. 

As we move into 2026, we will continue to build on these achievements—pressing for modernized legislation, stable funding, equitable infrastructure investment, and strong regional partnerships. 

MNL’s success this year demonstrates the power of speaking together as one municipal voice. We thank our members for their ongoing engagement and dedication to building vibrant, sustainable communities across the province. 

Mayor Danny Breen,
Advocacy Committee Chair