NLIS 1
December 20, 2005
(Finance)
 

Pre-budget consultations wrap up

Government�s pre-budget consultations have concluded and the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, Loyola Sullivan, said he is pleased with the high participation level in the roundtable meetings. A total of 11 meetings was held around the province. Meetings were also held directly with representatives from the province�s health and education boards.

"The meetings were very informative and productive with almost 200 presenters participating," said Minister Sullivan. "I wish to thank everyone who took the time to be a part of the pre-budget consultation process. It is indeed important for me, as finance minister, to hear first hand what the public believes government�s priorities should be for the upcoming budget."

Minister Sullivan added that while some groups felt there should be increased spending in various areas, others indicated concern about the province�s debt level and asked government to make fiscal prudence its priority.

"While everyone has their own budget priorities and needs, the challenge for government during its budget planning is to find a balance in meeting our fiscal and social obligations," added the minister. "The information we have gathered through these roundtable discussions is extremely valuable and will indeed aid us in our decisions-making process for Budget 2006."

Minister Sullivan noted that during the pre-budget discussions, many participants also commended government on a number of actions it has taken over the past year.

"Government remains committed to prudence in the management of our financial resources and being strategic with our investments, which are key to creating a prosperous future for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," the minister concluded.

In addition to the almost 200 presentations that were given during the roundtable meetings, government has also received numerous written submissions from other individuals and groups, who could not attend the meetings, outlining their views on what they believe government�s budget priorities should be.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6830, 685-6612

2005 12 20                             10:00 a.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement