Latest news with #MunicipalAffairs
CTV News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Quebec Municipal Affairs Minister Andrée Laforest denies conflict of interest involving daughters
Quebec's Minister of Municipal Affairs, Andrée Laforest, at her office in Saguenay, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)
CBC
15-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
'I'm very concerned': N.S. government to intervene in Halifax Water rate hike case
Social Sharing The Nova Scotia government says it will wade into the regulatory review of Halifax Water's proposed rate hikes with concerns about affordability. Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr said the province will intervene in the review that's underway with the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board. "We just think this is a time when affordability and cost, household costs are significant, and so we'll be just bringing that message to the regulatory and appeals board," Lohr told reporters Thursday in Halifax following a cabinet meeting. Halifax Water applied to the board this month for two rate increases. The first would raise the average household water bill by 16.2 per cent this fiscal year and the second would raise the average household bill an additional 17.6 per cent next fiscal year. Halifax Water has said the rate hikes are necessary in the face of a growing deficit and inflation. The utility has several large infrastructure projects in the works. Will try to 'soften the blow' "I'm very concerned by this," said Scott Armstrong, minister of opportunities and social development. Armstrong said his department will look for ways to "soften the blow" for Halifax Water customers, should rate increases go ahead. "We do have programs in place and if those programs aren't sufficient, we'll have to look at being flexible and putting things in place that will help keep people attached to housing. That would be one of our highest priorities," Armstrong told reporters Thursday after cabinet. An industry group representing landlords is also intervening in the case. The Rental Housing Providers of Nova Scotia told CBC News earlier this week that higher water rates would lead to higher rents. Opposition calls for more support for utility, customers Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette said the proposed rate increases are "pretty alarming." "The government is going to have to look at some enhancement of programs to help people," he said. Mombourquette said the province should be "strategically investing money" to take some of the pressure off Halifax Water. Lohr said the province has already "invested heavily" in water and sewer projects across the province, and "we continue to do more all the time." NDP MLA Susan LeBlanc said she'd like the province to consider implementing a low-income water rate. "People just can't afford more," she said. "We do have major infrastructure needs, our water infrastructure is aging, so the government could come in at that level and help with the projects so that rates don't have to increase," she added. The case will go to a public hearing before the regulatory and appeals board in September.
Argaam
13-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Saudi Arabia develops 3 major cities: Al-Hogail
Majed Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, said the ministry is currently working on redeveloping three major cities in the Kingdom, in cooperation with more than 80 local private sector partners. The ministry also aims to expand these partnerships to include international investors, including globally experienced US companies. During his participation in the Saudi-US Investment Forum 2025, Al-Hogail extended an open invitation to US investors to enter the Saudi real estate sector, whether in development, facilities management, smart city construction, or the repurposing of land within urban areas. He stressed that the Kingdom is not merely seeking financing, but strategic partners who can help design sustainable solutions for the future of Saudi cities. Al-Hogail pointed out that the homeownership rate rose from 47% before the launch of Vision 2030 to over 60% currently. He added that the ministry aspires to raise this figure to 70% by 2030, noting that such transformation would not have been possible without genuine partnerships with the private sector and empowering citizens to acquire their first homes. Further, the minister indicated that the Kingdom is witnessing an unprecedented urban transformation thanks to Vision 2030, adding that the ministry is leading 11,000 development projects through more than 300 municipalities across various regions. These projects encompass housing, infrastructure, and quality-of-life improvements, in partnership with US entities.
CTV News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Alberta cabinet minister Ric McIver voted in as new legislature Speaker
Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith make an announcement at a press conference in Edmonton, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)
Times of Oman
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman participates in meeting of GCC municipal officials
Muscat — The Sultanate of Oman took part in the 41st preparatory meeting of senior municipal officials from the GCC, held today in the State of Kuwait. The Omani delegation was headed by Dr. Yahya Badr Al Maawali, Governor of South Al Sharqiyah. The meeting addressed several topics related to GCC municipal action, including follow-ups on previous decisions by the Committee of Ministers of Municipal Affairs and the approval of several guiding manuals on urban environment and strategic urban planning, among other topics. Additionally, discussions covered the proposed establishment of a GCC Urban Research Center, urging member states to participate in the 6th edition of the GCC Municipal Award. The meeting also underscored the importance of activating a mechanism for exchanging municipal experts and specialists among GCC countries.
