Ministers release pre-budget consultation document and details of process

Finance Minister Lloyd Matthews and President of Treasury Board Anna Thistle today released details of the 2000 pre-budget consultation process along with the pre-budget consultation document, Making Choices: Securing Our Future Together. The document outlines the province's fiscal situation and invites input from the people of the province.

"I am pleased to have this opportunity to participate in the pre-budget consultation process so early on in my term as finance minister," said Minister Matthews. "I look forward to hearing the budgetary priorities of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador first-hand, and am confident that this process will be once again be beneficial as we work toward Budget 2000."

This year, government will again hold Electronic Town Halls as part of its pre-budget consultation process, linking a number of communities around the province to discuss pre-budget issues. On Saturday, February 5, the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board will host an audio and video conferencing session made possible by technology available through Memorial University's Telemedicine/TETRA facilities. This is the fifth year that pre-budget consultations have been held.

Minister Thistle said: "While we are experiencing significant economic growth, we must continue to spend wisely and carefully. Budget 2000 will have to maintain our plan of fiscal prudence, while addressing the prioritity needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

This year's pre-budget consultation process will be similar to last year's process. Individuals may participate by contacting their MHA, or in one of the following ways:

- Calling toll-free: 1-888-332-7442

- E-mailing: makingchoices@mail.gov.nf.ca

- Logging onto the Internet at: //www.gov.nl.ca/choices

- Faxing: (709) 729-2232

- Or writing: MAKING CHOICES, c/o Minister of Finance, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, P.O. Box 8700, St. John's, NF A1B 4J6

The Making Choices: Securing Our Future Together booklet, available by calling toll-free 1-888-332-7442 or on the Internet at www.gov.nl.ca/choices, outlines the sources of government's funds, where our money is spent, our debt, and the economic outlook for our province. The booklet also contains a section to assist readers in making choices on fundamental budgetary issues. For those with special needs, the Making Choices document is also available in alternate format.

Media contact: Paula Dyke, Communications, (709) 729-0329.

BACKGROUNDER
Electronic Town Halls

This year, government will again hold Electronic Town Halls as part of its pre-budget consultation process, linking a number of communities around the province to discuss pre-budget issues. On Saturday, February 5, the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board will host an audio and video conferencing session made possible by technology available through Memorial University's Telemedicine/TETRA facilities.

To access the live web cast on the Internet beginning at 10 a.m. (9:30 a.m. in Labrador), go to www.gov.nl.ca or www.ce.mun.ca/townhall.

Video conferencing will take place at 10 a.m. (9:30 a.m. in Labrador) in Grand Falls-Windsor, Labrador City, St. Anthony, Brookfield, Burin, Harbour Breton, Bell Island, Carbonear, and Whitbourne.

Audio conferencing will take place at 2:30 p.m. (2 p.m. in Labrador) and will include participants in St. John's, Clarenville, Gander, Corner Brook, Stephenville, Port aux Basques, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Nain and Forteau.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

In St. John's, media are invited to join the ministers at the AstraPharma Room, 4th floor, Spencer Hall. A photo opportunity with the ministers has been scheduled at the beginning of the session, and media can view the session on site.

2000 01 28                                                 3:00 p.m.