Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
1809 Barrington Street B3J 3K8 Halifax, NS, Canada

The NSFM is seeking applicants for a Policy Advisor. The position will provide advice and assistance to the organization on a variety of complex and politically sensitive issues related to municipal policy, operations, financial matters, etc. Read more: ow.ly/TPfG50CNnsH

The Province can work with municipalities and other stakeholders to phase out the CAP program to protect low-income homeowners and those experiencing significant increases in residential property assessments. See how it affects you: https://nsfm.ca/cap_map.html

Looking for a rewarding career supporting Nova Scotian Municipalities? The NSFM is seeking applicants for a Policy Advisor. The position will provide advice and assistance to the organization on a variety of complex and politically sensitive issues related to municipal policy, operations, financial matters, etc. The successful applicant will have a master's degree in public administration with five to seven years related experience, and knowing of municipal and provincial go...vernment. Read more here: http://ow.ly/TPfG50CNnsH

A small bit of good news for businesses in Halifax and Municipality of East Hants from the Province. Everything makes a difference for the small businesses that are trying to weather the storm. https://www.cbc.ca//covid-19-business-assistance-governmen

The top priority of the NSFM for 2020 was to have Capped Assessment Program phased out. With our partners at the Association of Municipal Administrators Nova Scotia, NSAR , and Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia, we developed a tool to demonstrate the disparity in taxes caused by the CAP. Found at https://nsfm.ca/cap_map.html homeowners and renters can enter their address into the system to see how the existence of the CAP affects their tax bill. As NSFM President Emily Lutz explained, "The CAP is a regressive tax policy that systematically favours higher-income households. Structural inequalities call for structural remedies, and with the NSFM’s CAP proposal it’s time to let the CAP fade away and replace it with an improved structure that actually helps those who are struggling the most."

Since 2015, NSFM has been providing support to the Nova Scotia Government to administer the 2014-24 Gas Tax Fund (GTF) Agreement via our awesome Infrastructure and Sustainability Officer Debbie Nielsen. Debbie visited some projects this fall that highlight the great recreational and active transportation projects completed by NS Municipalities with the fund, including (from left): Town of Oxford NS: Official Site (where the CAO's dog Howie led the way), Town of Digby, and Town of Amherst, NS. For more info, check out https://www.nsfm.ca/federal-gas-tax-fund.html

We’re excited to see more movement on broadband access for all Canadians. Covid-19 has shown us that a quick and reliable internet connection is a necessity for modern living. As a largely rural province, this is absolutely a right step forward for our rural municipalities. We’re excited to see more movement on broadband access for all Canadians. Covid-19 has shown us that a quick and reliable internet connection is a necessity for modern living. As a largely rural province..., this is absolutely a right step forward for our rural municipalities. https://www.cbc.ca/ne/politics/broadband-internet-1.5794901

"Everyone worked hard on this outcome. Members of the federation worked hard to identify the dramatic revenue losses created by COVID-19 and the three levels of government pulled together in the best interest of the people we all serve. When we all work together, this is the success that is possible to support the growth and success of our communities." Pam Mood, president, NSFM https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20201104002

A municipal election primer sets the stage for tomorrow's vote: Did you cast your ballots for mayor and councillor through e-voting? A record 39 out of 46 municipalities holding elections this year used some form of electronic voting! https://www.cbc.ca//nova-scotia-municipal-election-2020-ha

More than 750 people have stepped up to run for their local municipal council in Saturday's municipal elections. Make sure you vote because "municipal politics is visceral and real. The issues are close to people. That is why those who choose to tackle them can have such an impact," says The Chronicle Herald's John DeMont. "They solve your problems. They look after your interests. When need be, they even act as your link to the faraway MLAs in Halifax, and MPs on Parliament Hill."

Would you attend an in-person NSFM meeting if all the COVID protocols were followed? Which of our ZOOM guest presentations did you find most useful? We need to know your answers to these questions - and more - so please fill out a short survey to help us work better for you. Email [email protected] today for the link to take part!

How will we know how we're doing if we don't ask?! NSFM has just launched its second annual members survey and we need your feedback - take a few minutes (the average is 13 minutes) and let us know how we fared on our programs, initiatives, advocacy and collaboration over the past year. There could be something in it for you too - we'll be drawing for a $25 Tims card when the survey closes! To get the survey link, email [email protected]