Negotiate, don't litigate, Dingwall advises CBRM

Litigation isn't the answer in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality's funding battle with the province, former federal cabinet minister David Dingwall says.

"I don't think that the only tool that the municipality has in their tool box is a legal remedy," Dingwall told a packed gathering of the city's chamber of commerce Thursday.

"I think there are other tools. I think they should explore those tools, and I think they should get on with trying to resolve the issue."

Dingwall, now a lawyer in Sydney,said he believes the municipality is likely to get more money faster by negotiating with the province.

CBRM says the provincial equalization formula is unfair and that as a result, Sydney has been underfunded by roughly $20 million since 1995, when it and neighbouring communities were amalgamated into a single municipality.

A Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge dismissed the lawsuit last month, saying equalization is not a matter for the courts to decide.

"So even if they had of won in the Supreme Court, they only would have won a legal declaration. No money. Not a cent," Dingwall said.

Municipal council is set to meet later in the month to consider whether to appeal. Mayor John Morgan has indicated he's willing to pursue an appeal.