I would like to engage in a dialogue with the province to submit a second request for NPP, as the initial attempt by HRM was rejected. The focus of this request would be to secure additional funding to support seniors and low-income families. Any grant programs established through NPP must be transparent to the public and adhere to strict guidelines.
The following information on NPP is quoted from HRM Shape Your City:
“NPPs give municipalities the power to do what an ordinary individual can do under the law. For example, a person can give loans to another person, buy shares in a company, buy and use property for any purpose, and create or join non-profit organizations. These are all things the municipality cannot currently do or can only do in limited ways, as set out in the HRM Charter.
NPPs would not expand HRM’s taxation or by-law making powers. An individual cannot impose taxes or bylaws, so these are not natural person powers. Taxation and by-law powers would continue to be clearly spelled out in specific legislation.
How would NPPs change the HRM Charter?
The HRM Charter is a piece of provincial legislation that sets out all of HRM’s powers and responsibilities (other Nova Scotian municipalities are covered by the Municipal Government Act). If HRM wants to do something, it must be included in the HRM Charter.
Right now, the HRM Charter has specific descriptions of what the municipality may or must do – aka, a “laundry list” approach. If the municipality were granted NPPs, the opposite approach would apply: instead of sections setting out what the municipality is allowed to do, the Charter would instead list what HRM is not allowed to do in certain areas. Anything not spelled out as a restriction would be permissible, if it fit into the things that a natural person could do.
Why does HRM want NPPs?
NPPs would create administrative efficiencies, giving the municipality more opportunity and flexibility to deliver programs and services. In the past when the municipality has wanted to try new initiatives it often has had to wait for the province, to amend the HRM Charter to give HRM clear authority, because there was not explicit permission in the HRM Charter. Some examples include: Property improvement grants to individuals, Urban reforestation, diverse borrowing opportunities, and Property management.
The majority of Canadian provinces have given their municipalities natural person powers, including: British Columbia (all municipalities), Alberta (all municipalities), Saskatchewan (all municipalities), Manitoba (Winnipeg only), Ontario (all municipalities), Quebec (all municipalities), Yukon (all municipalities), and Saint John, NB also has natural person powers because it was incorporated as a city by a royal charter, instead of being established by provincial legislation.”