Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities

The IAMNS Working Group is a multidisciplinary team representing local governments and selected agencies that are committed to providing leadership, direction and support for the development and implementation of the Nova Scotia Asset Management Program. The Working Group aims to share information and promote educational/training initiatives; identify funding opportunities to support asset management initiatives for municipalities; and, interact with other agencies, governments and associations to exchange information.

Provide a forum for consultation, analysis and communication between local governments and the province regarding the management of the Agreement under which the RCMP provide local policy services in NS and to analysze and respond to changes that may be proposed from time to time by the Federal government and/or the RCMP and recommend changes to the Federal government and/or the RCMP that may be considered necessary or appropriate.

To make recommendations concerning the future administrative, operational and financial contributions from the Province to municipalities respecting road maintenance. To prioritize the issues considered and make recommendations to improve the transportation network throughout NS.

A sub-committee of the Regional Chairs (Solid Waste-Management Regions), created to discuss proposed changes of solid wast-resource regulations and stewardship programs brought forward by Nova Scotia Environment. Reports to Regional Chairs.

Oversee the funding of municipal waste diversion programs across the province, the development of voluntary industry stewardship agreements, the development of education and awareness programs, and the promotion of value-added manufacturing.

Establish a long term strategic plan for the organization, create budgets, encourage partnership opportunities with stakeholders and others, appoint a CEO, communicate to stakeholders including reporting to NSFM at its annual meeting, ensure financial and quality audits are complete.

The Active Transportation Committee was established by NSFM as a result of a resolution passed at the 2008 Fall Conference. Its purpose is to elevate the priority given to active transportation in broader transportation planning and infrastructure development by encouraging and supporting municipalities across Nova Scotia to develop, promote and implement active transportation strategies and initiatives. The Active Transportation Committee also advocates for policies that support active transportation at all levels of government.

Establish a planning committee for the annual Fall and Spring conference. Committee Chairs rotate based on caucuses. Work with staff to coordinate conference speakers and agenda.

Appointed by the NSFM President, the Nominations Committee is comprised of the Past-President (Chair), and one member from each caucus. The committee receives nominations for President and Vice-President positions and prepares a report for presentation at the AGM.

Assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility by providing oversight regarding the integrity of financial reporting. Assure fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations of NSFM in accordance with the GAAP principles and ensure that appropriate systems and controls are maintained for the proper recording of transactions and protection of assets.

Determine the direction of the benefits programs sponsored by NSFM.

Work with Hub and the AMANS Wellness Coordinator to assist municipaliteis contribute to and implement a Wellness Plan.

Provide DMA Minister with advice and assistance concerning the Building Advisory Act and regulations; provide liaison between Minister and National Research Council and others interested in construction standards; conduct hearings where disputes arise; and respond to matters referred to the Committee by a judge.

Advise the DMA Minister respecting the administration of the collection and remittance of the E911 cost recovery fee and the administration of the distribution of the money from the Fund for the provision of E911 Services.

Administer and/or reform of the Fire Safety Act, the regulations and the Fire Code; promotion and support of fire safety, the fire-suppression service and fire prevention; matters arising from functioning of non-profit organizations with mandates that relate to the purpose of this Act. Role of the Council to receive and hear petitions, briefs and comments from individuals or groups with respect to the Act.

The object of the Corporation is to provide financing for municipalities, municipal enterprises and hospitals through a central borrowing authority.

Advise the DMA Minister on provincial legislation and policies with respect to the delivery of fire services; receive and hear petitions, briefs and comments from individuals/groups; recommend legislation, policies and practices to promote efficiency in administration and operation in emergency fire services; and advise the Fire Safety Advisory Council on matters with respect to the delivery of fire services

To provide advice to the Executive Leadership Team on innovative strategies for the recruitment and retention of physicians, both Family Physicians and Specialists. Specifically, to outline programs and processes necessary to enhance recruitment and retention of physicians in Nova Scotia.

The 5 FCM regional caucuses - including Atlantic - meet during each Board meeting. The caucuses are a venue for discussion on regional issues. The caucus meetings also provide an opportunity for discussion on policy issues so that regional concerns can be brought to the committee discussions and national perspectives of the Board of Directors.

NSFM serves as an Atlantic representative on FCM’s MAMP Technical Working Group. The purpose of this group is to provide technical advice to support the effective and efficient implementation of the MAMP. NSFM also participates to represent Nova Scotia and share our asset management approach and advocate for local issues.

NSFM staff was invited to participate on the FCM and the Government of Canada’s (the Canadian Centre for Climate Services’) MCSC Technical Working Group in 2018. The aim of this group is to support municipalities in their efforts to increase resilience to the impacts of climate change in their communities.

Led by QUEST and developed (in partnership with NSFM) in June 2016 to allow municipal staff to engage with peers to build capacity around community energy planning. MELG meets regularly to share experiences, lessons learned and industry best practice relating to municipal/community energy planning.