Municipal governments don’t need the premier to interfere: NDP

HALIFAX - Leader of the Official Opposition Claudia Chender made the following statement about Premier Houston’s letter to mayor Andy Fillmore:

“The Mayor, council and residents of Halifax have a process for dealing with local issues—it’s called municipal government.

For decades our province’s cities and towns have listened to residents and made decisions based on what was best for their communities. If residents are concerned about traffic congestion, the lack of safe bike lanes or any number of other issues, they can make their voices heard through their city councillor. There is no need for Tim Houston to interfere in that.

If the premier is interested in playing his part to address transit challenges, he can begin by releasing the recommendations from the Joint Regional Transportation Agency (JRTA) and putting in place a transit plan that makes commuting easier and more affordable.

There are many issues that require the premier’s attention: housing people can afford, health care for families across the province, a real plan to support our local businesses and traditional industries. Instead of constantly trying to consolidate power, the premier should stay in his lane.”

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