The Union of the Municipalities of New Brunswick, representing 56 local governments, has a new president.
Grand Bay-Westfield Mayor Brittany Merrifield was elected to the role during the union’s recent annual general meeting.
“Our order of government has the most direct impact on our residents’ lives, and I want to be part of a movement that ensures our work as local leaders is recognized, supported, and strengthened by other orders of government,” Merrifield said in a news release.
Merrifield was elected mayor in 2021 and joined UMNB’s board in 2022. She has also served on various committees at the national level through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
She said she is looking forward to engaging with the political parties, particularly on the topic of fiscal reform.
“Local governments are at a crossroads without critical access to a new fiscal framework. The current system no longer meets the needs of our members and places an increased tax burden on residents,” said Merrifield.
“The work of municipal reform will remain incomplete until fiscal reform is complete.”
Tantramar Mayor Andrew Black served as president of the union for the past two years. He will now take on the role of past-president.
Meanwhile, Grand Manan Councillor Dan Boyd has been named 1st vice-president while St. Stephen Councillor Wade Greenlaw will serve as 2nd vice-president.
