Pre-budget consultations to begin next week

NLIS 1
January 8, 2004
(Finance)

Finance Minister Loyola Sullivan will conduct pre-budget consultations in communities throughout the province, beginning January 12, 2004. The purpose of the roundtable meetings is to give individuals and organizations an opportunity to engage in productive discussions about the direction for Budget 2004.

"With the results of the independent external review now in hand, government has embarked on a road of tough decision making. I want to hear from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and to get input and suggestions for controlling expenditures, developing priority spending areas, and identifying potential areas for savings," said Minister Sullivan.

Pre-budget consultations will be held in Labrador City, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Corner Brook, Stephenville, Marystown, Carbonear, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and St. John’s. A discussion document which outlines the province’s fiscal situation, including the findings of the independent external review, is available at //www.gov.nl.ca/fin/consultations.

"We all have to work together to address the financial challenges, and I encourage everyone to attend a pre-budget meeting in his or her region," said Minister Sullivan.

Those who would like to participate in the public forums are requested to register 24 hours prior to the meeting in their communities by telephoning (709)729-2944.

Individuals and groups who would like to provide the minister with comment, but may not be able to participate in the community roundtable discussions, can submit their views in writing to the Minister, Department of Finance, P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL, A1B 4J6. Comments can also be faxed to (709) 729-2070 or e-mailed to taxpolicy@gov.nl.ca.

Media contact: Diane Keough, (709) 729-6830

Schedule of Roundtables Discussions

Pre-Budget 2004

Date	Location	Venue	Discussion Time
Monday - January 12	Labrador City	Two Seasons	1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday - January 13	Happy Valley - Goose Bay	Labrador Inn	9:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Tuesday - January 13	Corner Brook	Glynmill Inn	7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday - January 14	Stephenville	Holiday Inn	1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Monday - January 19	Marystown	Hotel Marystown	12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday - January 20	Carbonear	Fong’s Motel	1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday - January 27	St. John’s	Fairmont Newfoundland	9:00 a.m. to 12 noon 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Roundtable discussion will be held in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor; date and venue to be announced.

2004 01 08 4:55 p.m.

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