Mayor Danny Breen

Message from the Mayor

Thank-you to the residents of St. Johns who have given us the privilege to serve as your City Council for the next four years. I am honoured and humbled to be returned for my fourth term on City Council and second term as mayor. I am excited to lead such a talented City Council with diverse backgrounds – one that reflects the demographics of our City. As I said to the new Council on October 12, 2021 at the Swearing-in Ceremony, key to our success will be engaging proactively with the public on the important issues we face, considering all the information (including everyone's thoughts and opinions), making the best decisions possible and communicating our decisions effectively.

I firmly believe that we cannot operate in isolation and must continue to develop and enhance fair and mutually beneficial relationships with other municipalities, business and community partners, and the provincial and federal governments. The more effectively we work together, the better for everyone in St. John's and our neighbouring municipalities.

We have a firm strategic plan in place and strong goals to work towards. 

Our goal is to use your tax dollars wisely, ensuring that our organization is effectively and efficiently run. Being a sustainable city - economically, environmentally and financially – calls on us as a Council to create the conditions that drive the economy; protect, preserve and enhance the natural environment. We must consider how people move around our city, and the regional transportation connections and infrastructure for which we have responsibility.

Our city is changing and diversifying, and expectations around inclusion and accessibility will be top of mind for Council.

Ultimately, we have an important role to place in creating a city where people feel connected, have a sense of belonging and are actively engaged in community life.

Protocol Requests

Mayor Breen and the members of Council are proud to work with the community and support the achievements of individuals and groups. For letters or protocol requests, please follow the links below to complete and submit forms so that the Office of the Mayor can consider your request and touch base with you if necessary.

• Request a letter of congratulations (80+ birthday; 50+ wedding anniversary; 25+ retirement; 15+ retirement from the military or other significant milestone)
• Request a letter of support for funding applications or to host an event
• Request a message of support for arts and cultural events, conventions, trade shows and sporting events
• Request that the Mayor attend or speak at an event
• Protocol Request: flag or banner raising, proclamation or City Hall illumination)
• Weddings at City Hall

About the Mayor

Danny Breen was first elected to the St. John's City Council in the Fall of 2009 and was re-elected by acclamation in 2013, representing Ward 1, in the east end of St. John's. He was first elected as Mayor of the City of St. John's in 2017 and acclaimed as Mayor for a second term in 2021.

Danny has served as Chair of the Public Works Committee, Chair of the St. John's Sport Event Partnership and Chair of the Finance Committee of the Eastern Regional Services Board. He has also served as Chair of the City's Audit and Accountability Committee and the Finance Committee, as well as Co-Chair of the St. John's Regional Fire Services Committee.

Danny is a Graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Political Science & History). In the past Danny has been actively involved in his community serving on The Board of Directors of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. He has also been involved in several school councils, minor hockey and many other community organizations.

Danny was born and raised in St. John's, where he resides with his wife Ann. He has two daughters, Erika and Katie, and two grandchildren, Kyla and Neil.

Boards and Committees

Mayor Breen is Council lead on governance and strategic priorities and economic development. He serves on the following groups:

• Audit Standing Committee
• Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities Big City Mayor's Caucus
• Urban Indigenous Partnership Table – First Voice 
• World Energy Cities Partnership
• National Advisory Board of Energy For A Secure Future