HALIFAX - Nova Scotia's municipal relations minister says no other municipality in the province is facing the same kind of financial crisis as Bridgetown, where the entire council quit this week over ongoing money problems.
John MacDonell says municipalities are required by law to submit balanced budgets to the province, which means the government "has a really good handle" on the financial health of the province's communities.
Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil says the minister is wrong to suggest the financial struggles in Bridgetown represent an isolated case.
McNeil says mayors and wardens from across the province are telling him they are facing similar problems and the NDP government is ignoring their pleas for help.
The Liberal leader says many municipalities are finding it difficult to meet basic requirements for water and sewer services.
MacDonell says he's not sure if Bridgetown was filing balanced budgets, and he says he may order a forensic audit of the town's finances even though the RCMP is currently investigating a possible theft from town hall.
