Nova Scotia town leaders press province for answers

Municipal leaders at the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities conference in Halifax voiced frustration Wednesday after Municipal Affairs Minister John A. MacDonald ended a session without taking questions. Wolfville councillor Wendy Elliott wanted answers on library and arts funding after provincial cuts that towns say threaten closures and shorter hours. Middleton Mayor Gail Smith said infrastructure requests also go unanswered and felt leaders were ignored. MacDonald urged municipalities to grow revenue through resource development, partnerships and streamlining, and highlighted cell coverage upgrades. Federation president David Mitchell apologized for skipping questions and said other chances would come later during the week.