MakeOurMarknl

SPEAKING NOTES
MINISTER DIANNE WHALEN
BAY ROBERTS MAKEYOURMARKNL

I want to begin by saying how glad I am to be here in beautiful Bay Roberts to help celebrate the official opening of the Klondyke Festival. You have to consider that it takes a lot of time and effort on behalf of many volunteers to make something this great a reality. This is why throughout the summer; I will ask residents from coast to coast to consider how they would make their mark in their community.

How can you help ensure we continue to have a province that provides a safe and secure environment for us to live and raise families?
Newfoundlanders are a proud, strong and determined people who never for a moment take for granted the gift we have received by being fortunate enough to call this place home.

As September approaches and municipal elections kick into gear, I often times reflect on how I have made my mark on my community over the past 25 years. Working for the people of our cities, towns and province is one of the most important and beneficial things I will have ever done throughout my life. You can experience this satisfaction too.

We need leaders who have a clear vision, who communicate that vision, who have integrity, who think well and who listen. Where are these leaders? They are our teachers, construction workers, tour operators, homemakers and students. I believe that the best candidates for the job are available in quantity throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, but they are unaware that they are the people who are needed to get the job done. I ask you, what is stopping you from making a lasting change within your own community – have you made your mark?

If not, recognize your leadership potential or that of someone you know and encourage them to run.

What are the ways you can make things better for your community – you can be a part of making decisions about the costs of living in your community and the services that you and your family receive.
For example, helping to encourage the sharing of waste services or fire protection with your neighboring communities can reduce costs to residents and improve services. More importantly, they could protect our environment or save lives. And you can make your’s and others’ dreams for your community become reality.
Your participation will make things better today and for future generations to come. That is a tremendous way to make your mark.

Municipal councils can see the future – I believe that you can see the future. Municipal councils see a green field and envision a soccer pitch, and they make it happen. Others see a gravel lot and envision a playground, and they make it happen. Municipal councilors make ideas a reality. You can be a municipal councilor!

I believe that your participation this coming election on September 29th, will make things better for today and for our province. It will make our cities and towns better for you me and many others.

I challenge you to sign up, offer yourself for municipal election and make your mark on your community.

I encourage you to look at our website www.makeyourmarknl.ca and to enter the contest by telling us how you would make a difference in your community. You can also keep an eye to where our campaign is traveling. Congratulations to the organizing committee and Mayor Littlejohn and my sincerest thanks for the invitation to bring a few short greetings!

Thank you and don’t forget to vote on September 29.