Finance
January 14, 2008

Budget 2008 Consultations to Begin Next Week

The Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, is set to travel the province to gather input on budget priorities as the Budget 2008 consultation process begins next week.

"The roundtable sessions are vital to a successful budgetary process as they provide government with a first-hand opportunity to listen to the views of individuals and organizations," said Minister Marshall. "These meetings set the tone for the remainder of the process as government departments start to allocate their priorities for the upcoming fiscal year."

Minister Marshall said the province finds itself in a unique financial position. "After almost 50 years of paying out more than we have taken in, we are now projecting a surplus for this year. Future success depends on how responsibly we utilize these revenues today," said Minister Marshall. "With that in mind, I am looking forward to hearing what people think should be the spending priorities for the province, their region, and their organization. I am also eager to hear opinions on debt and debt reduction and opportunities for economic growth."

When planning these sessions, Minister Marshall said government tries to encompass as many areas as possible to ensure the needs in all regions of the province are clearly understood. "Although time simply does not allow us to get to every community, it is important to note that groups and individuals do not have to attend a session to make a submission," said Minister Marshall. "Submissions are accepted through mail, fax and e-mail and all receive full consideration."

Those who would like to participate in one of the consultation meetings listed below are requested to register at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting by telephoning 709-729-2944.

2008 Budget Consultation Schedule

Monday, January 21 St. John�s Capital Hotel 8:30 a.m. � 11:30 a.m.

1:00 p.m. � 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 22 Carbonear Fong�s Motel 10:00 a.m. � 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 29 Labrador City/Wabush Town of Labrador City Council Chamber Room 12:30 p.m. � 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 29 Happy Valley-Goose Bay Labrador Inn 7:00 p.m. � 10:00 p.m.
Monday, February 4 Corner Brook Mamateek Inn 9:30 a.m. � 12:00 noon
Monday, February 4 Stephenville Holiday Inn 2:00 p.m. � 4:30 p.m.
Friday, February 8 Grand Falls-Windsor Mount Peyton Hotel 9:00 a.m. � 11:30 a.m.
Friday, February 8 Gander Gander Hotel 1:00 p.m. � 3:30 p.m.
Monday, February 11 Marystown Marystown Hotel and Conference Centre 12:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
Monday, February 11 Clarenville St. Jude Hotel 7:00 p.m. � 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 13 St. Anthony Vinland Motel 1:00 p.m. � 3:30 p.m.

Additional Budget Consultation Meetings Scheduled

Submissions can also be made in writing to the Minister of Finance, Department of Finance, P.O. Box 8700, St. John�s, NL, A1B 4J6. Comments may also be faxed to 709-729-2070 or e-mailed to budgetsubmissions@gov.nl.ca. For further information please contact 709-729-2944.

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Media contact:
Bill Hickey
Director of Communications
Department of Finance
709-729-6830, 691-6390
billyhickey@gov.nl.ca

2008 01 14                                                          9:50 a.m.

 


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