March 1, 1996
(Finance)

Pre-budget public consultation document and details of public consultation process released

Finance Minister Paul Dicks today released a pre-budget consultation document on the province's fiscal position. The document, Making Choices for a Better Tomorrow, sets out fully the state of the province's finances and asks the people of the province to participate for the first time in an open and full manner in helping government make the right choices for its 1996 Budget.

"Today I am pleased to present to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians a consultation document which outlines our sources of revenue, the programs and services we currently provide, our public sector debt and deficits, and our economy of the future. We are asking the people to work with us through a public consultation process to help make choices on the upcoming budget which will see us through the economic slowdown of the next two years," said the minister.

In recent years, government has made a lot of progress in improving the financial strength of the province. Those gains have required many in this province to make sacrifices. "We are ready to build on this process and in so doing, we are ready to work with the people to determine the expectations of government."

People can participate in the month long public consultation process through a variety of media. The Finance Minister and members of the consultation committee will host public meetings in various locations around the province to listen to the views of the people and hear presentations by interest groups. The first meetings are scheduled for Labrador and Western Newfoundland during the week beginning Monday, March 11.

A toll free 1-800 number is set up (1-800-296-3434) through which individuals can access copies of the consultation document and brochure, request information on the location and time of the public meetings, or leave their comments or suggestions on the budget public consultation process. The line will be staffed Monday to Friday from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. A message service will be in effect at all other times until March 31.

Making Choices for a Better Tomorrow is also available on the Internet through the provincial gvernment's home page. The Internet address is - /choices.htm The e-mail address is choices@tbe.gov.nf.ca Officials will monitor the Internet site for suggestions and comments during the process. A postage paid comment card will be attached to a brochure for individuals who wish to send written suggestions.

Finally, you may fax your comments to the Minister of Finance at (709) 729-2095 or write to Making Choices, Department of Finance, P.O. Box 8700, St. John's, NF A1B 4J6.

All information, briefs and suggestions will be accepted until March 31, 1996. Government will prepare a report on this first budget consultation process. The advice and recommendations received will guide us in preparing the 1996 Budget to be delivered in late April.

"We are optimistic about the prospects for our future. By making the right choices today, we can promote growth, maintain needed services and limit borrowing to a responsible level. That will require important choices which we are asking you to make."

Contact: Karen McCarthy, Director of Public Relations, (709) 729-0110.