NLIS 1
February 1, 2001
(Executive Council)
Finance Minister Lloyd Matthews and President of Treasury Board Anna Thistle today released details of the 2001 pre-budget consultation process along with the pre-budget consultation document. The document provides background on the province's fiscal situation and invites input from the people of the province.
"I would encourage business leaders, municipalities, community groups and individuals to participate in the pre-budget consultation, in this, the sixth year that we have held such consultations," said Minister Matthews. "Your views are important as we work to determine the financial priorities of the province and prepare our fiscal plan for Budget 2001."
Government will again hold an Electronic Town Hall as part of its pre-budget consultation process, linking a number of communities around the province to discuss pre-budget issues. On Saturday, February 17, 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.
Minister Thistle said: "We have maintained a program of prudent and responsible fiscal management that has allowed us to invest in public services like health care, education and social services. Our goal for Budget 2001 will be to maintain our plan of fiscal prudence, while addressing priority needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."
Individuals may participate in the pre-budget consultation by contacting their MHA, or in one of the following ways:
- Calling toll-free: 1-888-332-7442
- E-mailing: choices@mail.gov.nf.ca
- Logging onto the Internet at: www.gov.nl.ca/choices/2001
- 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 booklet, available through our toll-free phone line (1-888-332-7442) or on the Internet at www.gov.nl.ca/choices/2001, 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 formats.
Media contact: Lynn Barter, Communications, (709) 729-0329.
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 17, the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board will host an audio and video conferencing session made possible by technology available through MUN's Telemedicine/TETRA facilities.
To access the live web cast on the Internet beginning at 9 a.m. (8:30 a.m. in Labrador), go to www.gov.nl.ca or www.ce.mun.ca/townhall
Video conferencing will take place at 9 a.m. (8:30 a.m. in Labrador) in St. John's, Clarenville, Gander, Corner Brook, Stephenville and Port aux Basques, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador City.
Audio conferencing will take place at 2:30 p.m. (2 p.m. in Labrador) and will include participants in Whitbourne, Carbonear, Burin, Grand Falls-Windsor and Forteau.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
In St. John's, media are invited to join the ministers at the Astra Pharma 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.
2001 02 01 1:50 p.m.
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