There are some significant changes to the Antigonish Consolidation Act, currently before the Nova Scotia Legislature.  As MLA’s sat as a Committee of the Whole House Monday to review the legislation, Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr moved a number of amendments to the bill.

Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr (Communications Nova Scotia photo)

Lohr says the most common feedback government has received from Antigonish Town and County residents is they don’t feel they have enough information about the impact of consolidation on their tax rate.

Lohr told the house one of the major changes in the Legislation is a requirement of a fiscal review by the Utility and Review Board.

Under the amendment, the UARB has until August 1st to make that determination.

Another change would be the appointment of  a Board Liaison and Coordinator instead of a Transition Coordinator.  That Board Liaison and Coordinator, who will be former Richmond MLA Michel Samson will also replace the Transition Team.  The Transition Team was to have been the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Town and the Warden and Deputy Warden of the County.  Concern was expressed to the Law Amendments Committee of a perceived conflict of interest if one of those individuals chose to run in the Municipal elections in October.  The Bill, as amended, still requires Third Reading and Royal Assent