NOTE TO EDITORS: Budget Day set for March 21

Loyola Sullivan, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, today announced that government will deliver Budget 2005 on Monday, March 21.

"While there is considerable work still to be done, we are beginning to make some progress in turning around the serious fiscal situation facing Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Sullivan. "There are new revenues coming to the province this year which will enable government to make strategic investments to move forward with our agenda of striking a balance between fiscal control and fostering economic development and fulfilling our social responsibilities."

Details on the media lock-up for Budget 2005 will be announced in the coming days.

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