NLIS 2
November 10, 2004
(Executive Council)
(Finance)

 

Finance minister launches pre-budget consultations

Loyola Sullivan, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, today announced government is seeking input from individuals, groups and organizations as it develops budget priorities for the 2005 Budget. The minister will host a series of roundtable discussions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to give the public an opportunity to identify their priorities for the coming budget. These discussions will also provide the minister with an opportunity to update Newfoundlanders and Labradorians on the province�s finances.

"It is important to consult with the people of our province and to hear first-hand their views on spending priorities as well as potential areas for efficiencies," said Minister Sullivan. "The ideas and suggestions obtained during this process will be used as a guide in developing the 2005 Budget strategy. I encourage all interested individuals and organizations to attend a pre-budget meeting in their area or to submit comments to me."

Roundtable discussions are scheduled for Labrador City, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, St. Anthony, Corner Brook, Clarenville, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and St. John�s. A discussion document which outlines the province�s finances and will form the basis of the roundtable meetings is available at //www.gov.nl.ca/fin/consultations/DiscussionDoc2005.pdf

Those who would like to participate in a roundtable discussion are requested to register 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting by telephoning (709) 729-2944.

In addition to the public roundtable discussions, Minister Sullivan will also meet with representatives from the education and health boards to discuss budget priorities. "By far, the two sectors which receive the largest allocation from the provincial budget are health and education. I felt it was important to meet, in conjunction with the minister responsible, with the boards from these sectors to review their budget priorities and spending pressures for the coming year," he said.

Individuals and groups who would like to provide their comments and ideas, but who are unable to attend a community roundtable discussion, can submit their views in writing to the Minister of Finance, Department of Finance, P.O. Box 8700, St. John�s, NL, A1B 4J6. Comments can also be faxed to (709) 729-2070 or emailed to taxpolicy@gov.nl.ca

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-6830 or (709) 685-4401

Schedule of Roundtable Discussions
Pre-Budget Consultations

Date

Location

Venue and Time

Monday, November 15

Labrador City

Two Seasons, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 16

Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Labrador Inn, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Tuesday, November 16

St. Anthony

Vinland Motel, 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 17

Corner Brook

Glynmill Inn, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday, December 3

Clarenville

Clarenville Inn, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Monday, January 10, 2005

Gander

Hotel Gander, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Monday, January 10, 2005

Grand Falls- Windsor

Mount Peyton Hotel, 2:30 p.m to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

St. John�s

Fairmont Newfoundland , 9:00 a.m to 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2004 11 10                            10:10 a.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement