Mayor Breen Comments on Federal Government Funding Announcement

The funding announcement made yesterday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in support of municipalities is encouraging to the City of St. John’s. Our City is on the front line of this pandemic and we are pleased that the Federal Government is considering further financial support to assist with the many challenges arising from COVID-19.

However, it is important to highlight that the money and support announced yesterday is not new, but is an early release of previously committed capital funding - for which the City of St. John’s has already designated for the replacement of the H.G.R. Mews Community Centre. This money cannot be used for operating purposes.

Considering this, the City of St. John’s re-confirms our support of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in a request to the Canadian Government for emergency operating funding for municipalities across the country. The Prime Minister indicated yesterday there is more support to come and we look forward to further announcements by the Federal Government in this regard.

Further funding is required to support municipalities and keep essential services running.

Mayor Danny Breen
City of St. John’s