99. The mandate of a regional conference of elected officers consists primarily in evaluating local and regional planning and development bodies funded in whole or in part by the Government, promoting concerted action among partners in the region and, where warranted, giving advice to the Minister on regional development matters.
The regional conference of elected officers shall establish a five-year development plan that identifies general and specific development objectives for the region in keeping with sustainable development and taking foremost account of young people’s participation and, in accordance with the principles of equality and parity, women’s participation, in the democratic life of the region.
The five-year development plan must also take into account regional manpower and employment strategies and objectives defined by the regional council of labour market partners in its territory and, if applicable, the metropolitan land use and development plan as well as the general economic development plan adopted by the metropolitan community in its territory.
The regional conference of elected officers may enter into specific agreements with government departments or bodies and, where warranted, other partners, to exercise the powers and responsibilities stemming from the agreement referred to in section 98.
The regional conference of elected officers shall carry out any other mandate received from the Minister.