Minister launches pre-budget consultation

Finance Minister and Treasury Board President Joan Marie Aylward today announced she would hold the first in a series of roundtable discussions to discuss budget priorities for 2002-2003 on November 30 in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor.

The roundtable discussions are intended to provide key stakeholders, groups and individuals with an opportunity to advise government on the direction it should take in developing the budget for the coming fiscal year. 

"It is clear that the province is facing challenges as we prepare for Budget 2002-2003," said Minister Aylward. "I look forward to hearing the views and advice of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador on how to best meet those challenges during the pre-budget consultation."

The first roundtables will be held on November 30 in Grand Falls-Windsor at the Robin Hood Hotel beginning at 10 a.m., with a second session scheduled for 2 p.m. in Gander at the Hotel Gander.

Groups and individuals wishing to participate in the roundtable discussions are asked to register by telephoning (709) 729-2944. All interested participants must be registered 24 hours prior to the meeting in their community in order to take part in the roundtable meetings.

Details of subsequent roundtables to be held in the coming weeks will be announced at a later date.

Media contact: Lynn Barter, Communications, (709) 729-0329.

2001 11 23                          11:15 a.m.