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Finance
Executive Council
February 8, 2013

Provincial Government Announces Dates for Pre-Budget Consultations; Seeks Feedback on
Ways to Reduce Spending

The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, today announced dates for pre-budget consultations to be held throughout the province, beginning in Carbonear on February 14. The focus of this year’s consultations is to seek feedback from the public and stakeholders on effective ways to reduce spending and areas that should take priority in Budget 2013.

“Our government is in the process of preparing the next provincial budget, and an important part of that process is engaging you – the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Kennedy. “While our economy is strong, our revenues are down as a result of declining resource revenues. As a result, we are projecting deficits in the next two years. All of us know, whether it is running our households or running a business, that we have to live within our means. We must bring our future spending in line with our projected revenues, while maintaining the progress we have achieved. During pre-budget consultations, our government would like to hear your ideas on how we should reduce spending and which areas you feel should take priority in our next budget.”

A complete schedule of consultation sessions can be found in the backgrounder below.

“Public consultations are an important component of the pre-budget process,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement. “By utilizing the strengths of both traditional and online forums, we are providing a number of avenues for citizens to actively participate and offer suggestions, feedback, and input. This will ensure greater reach, connectivity, and dialogue from all stakeholders.”

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Minister of Labour will host sessions in Clarenville, Marystown, Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor. The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Service NL and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, will host the pre-budget consultation sessions in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador West.

“The process of putting together a budget involves all of Cabinet and I am pleased this year that two of my Cabinet colleagues will host some of the pre-budget consultations,” said Minister Kennedy. “As we reflect on the decisions that will be made, it is important that we hear perspectives from across the province – through attending consultation sessions or by submitting your views in other ways, such as our new online form.”

Further information on pre-budget consultations, along with information about the province’s fiscal position, and a video message from Minister Kennedy, can be found at: www.gov.nl.ca/fin/prebudget.

Those who would like to participate in a pre-budget meeting are requested to register at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting time by phoning 709-729-2944 or by emailing budget@gov.nl.ca.

Individuals who cannot attend a session are encouraged to provide feedback via an online form at www.gov.nl.ca/fin Written submissions can continue to be made via mail to: Minister of Finance, c/o Pre-Budget 2012, Department of Finance, P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL, A1B 4J6. Submissions may also be emailed to budgetsubmissions@gov.nl.ca or faxed to 709-729-2070.

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Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Finance
709-729-6830, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Schedule for 2013 Pre-Budget Consultations

Date Location Venue Time
February 14 Carbonear Fong’s Motel 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
February 15 St. John’s Comfort Inn 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
February 15 Clarenville Clarenville Inn 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
February 15 Marystown Marystown Hotel
and Conference
Centre
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
February 18 Stephenville Holiday Inn 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
February 18 Corner Brook Glynmill Inn 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
February 21 Rocky Harbour Fishermen’s
Landing Inn
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
February 21 Grand Falls-Windsor Mount Peyton Hotel 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
February 21 Gander Hotel Gander 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
February 22 Happy Valley-Goose
Bay
Labrador
Friendship Centre
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
February 25 Labrador West Town of Labrador
City Council
Chambers
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

2013 02 08                     4:00 p.m.

 
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