January

January 2
NOTE TO EDITORS: Release of independent external review, January 5, St. John's

January 5
Government releases independent external review

January 6
NOTE TO EDITORS: Loyola Sullivan will speak at the Greater Corner Brook Chamber of Commerce

January 8
Pre-budget consultations to begin next week

January 13
Finance Minister to speak to Stephenville Rotary Club

January 21
Date and venue for pre-budget consultations in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor

January 22
NOTE TO EDITORS: Ministers available to the media

January 29
Finance Minister releases interim report of independent external financial review of province

January 30
Minister refutes Opposition comments

February

February 10
Minister requests suggestions from front-line workers

February 13
Minister comments on statements made by Opposition Leader

February 18
NOTE TO EDITORS: Minister to attend meeting of Finance Ministers

February 23
NOTE TO EDITORS: Minister available to comment on equalization

March

March 3
NOTE TO EDITORS: Departments of Finance and Natural Resources will offer technical briefing, March 4

March 10
Government calls on federation to withdraw ads, apologize

March 12
Minister refutes Opposition Leader’s comments

March 15
Province looking at an April budget

March 16
Special warrants to be tabled when legislature opens

March 23
NOTE TO EDITORS: Finance Minister will comment on federal budget
Minister disappointed no new equalization formula
Budget 2004 set for March 30

March 25
NOTE TO EDITORS: Budget 2004 Lock-in

March 30
Protecting Our Future: Government Moves Forward with Two-pronged Approach for Managing the Deficit and Growing the Economy
New Tax Reduction for Low Income Individuals and Families
Spending Within Our Means
Government Makes Responsible Choices for Long-term Fiscal and Service Health
Tobacco Tax Increase
Increases to Fees, Service Charges and Fines

May

May 27
Ministerial Statement - Standard & Poor’s affirms province’s credit rating

September

September 1
New board of directors for Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation

October

October 5
Minister refutes Opposition statements

October 5
Atlantic Finance Ministers meet to discuss equalization program

October 21
NOTE TO EDITORS: Finance Minister to address APEC Patron’s Dinner

October 22
NOTE TO EDITORS: Finance Minister available to comment on Atlantic Accord discussions

October 25
NOTE TO EDITORS: Finance Minister available to media

November

November 1
NOTE TO EDITORS: Home Heating Fuel Rebate Program
$250 Home Heating Fuel Rebate initiative introduced

November 8
New President / CEO appointed for Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation

November 9
NOTE TO EDITORS: Speaking engagements for Finance Minister

November 10
Finance minister launches pre-budget consultations

November 15
NOTE TO EDITORS: Speaking engagements for Finance Minister

November 16
NOTE TO EDITORS: Pre-budget consultation in Corner Brook postponed

December

December 14
Liquor Corporation Act amended to permit operations on Sundays

December 15
NOTE TO EDITORS - Minister to deliver mid-year update
Mid-Year Financial Update

December 16
Venture capital legislation passed