Halifax, NS (July 23, 2008) – Members of the Citizens for Halifax Society (CFH) have selected their inaugural Board of Directors and position statements that reflect the most critical opportunities to make Halifax the most vibrant and liveable city in Canada.
Yesterday evening, over 130 members attended its Annual General Meeting and voted to endorse seven position statements to help shape the future of Halifax. Position’s include:
- The division of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) into two units with smaller councils to better serve the rural and urban communities more effectively and efficiently
- Tax reform that more closely aligns taxes with actual cost of services delivery
- More aggressive support of the Arts and Cultural sector by dedicating 1% of the annual municipal budget to this sector
- Creation of the position of Chief Sustainability Officer
- Development of an integrated intercultural strategy to attract and retain immigrants and better support disadvantaged groups in our community
- Creation of a transportation authority to integrate all modes of transportation
- The adoption of a more transparent and streamlined development process
“Our members are passionate about making Halifax an amazing city,” said Malcom Fraser, the newly elected Chair of Citizens for Halifax. “The current performance at the municipal level is not serving our residents, and our positions are reflective of what we have heard from citizens about their priorities. Through these position statements and future citizen engagement we can stimulate the kind of dialogue that will affect appropriate change.”
Position statements were developed by members following months of citizen engagement and planning at several locations throughout HRM.
The inaugural Board of Directors consists of members with diverse educational, cultural and professional backgrounds who reside in various communities throughout HRM. The Board includes, Malcolm Fraser (Chair), Issmat Al-Akhali (Vice Chair), Paula Minnikin (Vice Chair), Donna Leadbetter (Secretary/Treasurer), Patricia Busby, Lisa Gallivan, Rosamond Luke, Larry MacEachern, Katherine Sullivan and Steven Thompson.
“We have brought together a diverse group citizens that will guide Citizens for Halifax and help Halifax become the most vibrant and liveable city in Canada,” said Fraser. “Our first step is to continue building our foundation and engage citizens and civic leaders in dialogue around our positions.”
Citizens for Halifax will continue to engage civic-minded Haligonians with a discussion on Transportation, July 30th 6-9pm at the St. James Anglican Church on Joseph Howe Drive in Halifax.
The Citizens for Halifax Society, www.citizensforhalifax.ca, is an independent non partisan organization created by citizens who live and work in Halifax. Citizens for Halifax promotes and motivates civic engagement in order to build the most vibrant and liveable city in Canada.
Contact:
Malcolm Fraser
Chair, Citizens for Halifax
T: 902-422-9064
C: 902-489-0867
E: isl.ca