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Since January 2004, Minister Godfrey has travelled to every province in the country to meet with municipal leaders, including at least 80 mayors and councillors of centres both large and small. His efforts complement those of the External Advisory Committee on Cities and Communities (EACCC) which was created on December 12, 2003, with former British Columbia Premier Mike Harcourt as chairperson. Committee members represent different backgrounds and interests, but share expertise when it comes to public policy issues linked to cities and communities, both rural and urban. The committee will develop a long-term vision for sustainable communities. The Committee has had a number of meetings and will report to the Prime Minister in December 2004.
Throughout this time, there has also been regular consultation with provinces, territories, municipalities and stakeholders on the shape, direction and management of Canada's multi-billion dollar infrastructure program.
The consultations and relationship-building undertaken by Minister Godfrey, combined with the efforts of the EACCC, focus on improving collaboration between all orders of government and public and private-sector stakeholders involved in municipal affairs. The New Deal for Cities and Communities respects provincial jurisdiction, while recognizing the need to act at every level of government to alleviate the very real stresses facing cities and communities whether they are public transit, cleaner air and water, immigrant integration or the challenges facing urban aboriginals. The greatest transformative element in the New Deal will be the new relationships developed with the provinces, cities, the private and the not-for-profit sector for the benefit of citizens who live in urban and rural communities.
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