March 6, 1998
(Finance)

Pre-budget public consultation document
and details of public consultation process released

Finance Minister Paul Dicks today released the 1998 "Making Choices" pre-budget consultation document outlining the province's fiscal position. The document sets out the province's current financial situation, and asks Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in the third pre-budget consultation process in the province.

"The pre-budget public consultation process, started for the first time two years ago, has benefited government in determining the priorities of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," said the minister. "This has enabled us to make more informed decisions, not only at budget time, but throughout the year."

"Following last year's pre-budget consultations, government put in place a three year budget," noted the minister. "We are confident that our budget is on track, and we will be able to carry forward for the next two years toward a sustainable balanced budget, without further formal hearings. The priorities of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, namely in the areas of health, education and social services, were incorporated into the three year budgetary plan, and we remain committed to those priorities."

Government has broadened its pre-budget consultation process. "We are asking Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who wish to provide input into the 1998 Budget to do so in a variety of ways, including talking to their Member of the House of Assembly," said the minister. "This year, I will also host two Electronic Town Hall sessions to take place on March 14. Eighteen communities in total will participate in a discussion on pre-budget issues via a combination of video and audio conferencing. The proceedings of the town hall session will also be transmitted live to the Internet so that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with access to the technology will be able to listen in on the discussion."

People can also participate in the consultation process by forwarding written submissions to the minister, or by providing comments or receiving information as follows:

The Making Choices booklet, available through the toll-free phone number (1-888-336-7442) outlines the sources of government's funds, where our money is spent, our debt and the economic outlook for our province. The booklet also contains a section to assist readers in making choices on fundamental budgetary issues. For those with special needs, the Making Choices document is also available in alternative format.

"The art of budget preparation is striking a balance between the needs of the people for public programs and services, and the need for prudent financial management," said the minister. "To this end, I look forward to receiving the comments of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as we enter year two of our three-year fiscal plan."

Contact: Karen McCarthy, (709) 729-0110.

BACKGROUNDER
Electronic Town Halls

Government is expanding its pre-budget consultation process this year, and for the first time, will hold Electronic Town Halls hooking up some 18 communities around the province to discuss pre-budget issues. On Saturday, March 14, the Minister of Finance will hold two separate town hall sessions by way of video-conferencing and audio-conferencing technology available through MUN's Telemedicine/TETRA facilities.

The Minister of Finance will personally host the sessions from facilities in St. John's. Both sessions will be live to the Internet, making the discussion accessible by any Newfoundlander or Labradorian with a connection to the Internet.

The Minister, and his officials, in coordination with Members of the House of Assembly, will work together to select participants for the sessions, using the list of particpants from the past two years of public hearings.

The first town hall will take place in the morning from approximately 9:00 to 12 noon and will include participants in St. John's, Clarenville, Gander, Corner Brook, Stephenville and Port aux Basques (by video-conferencing).

The second session will take place from approximately 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will include participants in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador City, Nain, St. Anthony, Springdale, Fogo, Burin, Harbour Breton, Bell Island, Carbonear, Whitbourne and Trepassey (by audio-conferencing).

By holding two sessions government has the benefit of hearing from over 100 people from all regions of the province on pre-budget issues.

All media are invited to attend the sessions.

The venues are as follows:

9 a.m. to 12 noon (March 14)

(2 p.m. to 5 p.m. March 14, 1998)