Departmental Overview
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs supports the economic, social and environmental sustainability of municipalities, communities and regions through the delivery of effective programs, services and supports. As such, the department provides municipalities with the financial and administrative tools to support development of community capacity, regional cooperation, and sound municipal governance.
Mandate
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs mandate is to advance the economic, social and environmental sustainability of municipalities, communities, regions, and the province through the delivery of effective programs, services and supports.
Lines of Business
The Department is composed of two branches:
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Municipal and Community Support Branch
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Community Engagement Branch
Municipal and Community Support Branch
The Municipal and Community Support Branch is advanced through five divisions:
Local Governance and Land Use Planning
Supports the vision of viable sustainable communities led by strong local governments, by providing advice and direction on local governance. The Division’s Land Use Planning staff helps promote and support the planned growth of sustainable communities. Finally, the Division is responsible for the coordination of community collaboration and service-sharing initiatives including stakeholder outreach and consultations.
Municipal Support
Responsible for the provision of ongoing support and advice on local government issues. Regional offices serve as the primary contact between the Department and local governments throughout the province.
Municipal Finance
Provides financial assistance and guidance to municipalities with respect to funding programs, borrowing and financial compliance. The Division also provides financial assistance through the Special Assistance Grant program which provides financial aid to municipalities and related organizations for emergencies and unexpected financial difficulties. Municipal Finance also administers both the Canada Community-Building Fund and the Community Enhancement and Employment Program, the latter of which provides short-term employment for workers in rural areas of the province.
Policy and Strategic Planning
Coordinates and supports the Department’s policy agenda and is primarily responsible for the development of a policy and planning framework to help support a system of local government that efficiently provides services to residents of the province. The Division is also responsible for the Department’s accountability and transparency requirements, including responsibility for the Departmental Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Annual Reports, and Departmental program evaluation.
Strategic Financial Management
This shared-service Division provides the Department, and three other departments and one agency, with financial management and general operations services. The Division is the point of contact for all Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABC) financial reporting through departments. It is also the main Departmental contact for the Department of Finance and Treasury Board Secretariat related to financial functions, budget submissions, public accounts and budget monitoring submitted by departments and ABCs.
Community Engagement Branch
For Information on our Community Engagement Branch please click here.