Finance January 9, 2009 Pre-Budget Consultations to Commence The Provincial Government will commence public consultations in St. John�s on Friday, January 16, to gather input on priorities for Budget 2009. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, will visit 13 locations in the coming weeks, including three communities where pre-budget consultations have not previously been held � Grand Bank, Old Perlican and Twillingate. "Pre-budget consultations provide residents the opportunity to have their voice heard with respect to their priorities for the upcoming budget," said Minister Kennedy. "The sessions also provide me with the opportunity, as minister, to hear directly from people on the ground in their communities and to give them some context of the challenges that our government faces each year in appropriately managing our spending and revenue." Consultations will be held in Carbonear, Clarenville, Corner Brook, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Gander, Grand Bank, Grand Falls-Windsor, Marystown, Old Perlican, St. Anthony, St. John�s, Stephenville, Twillingate and Labrador City/Wabush. "We face a unique situation as we prepare for this year�s budget," said Minister Kennedy. "While we are projecting our fourth consecutive surplus for the fiscal year 2008-09, we are currently in the midst of a global economic downturn. Our province is well positioned to weather the economic uncertainty, however, we have seen some effects, particularly in our mining and forestry sectors. As well, our revenues have been, and will continue to be, impacted by low oil prices. "Our government is committed to maintaining a prudent financial approach, while ensuring that our province continues to be well positioned in the current economic environment," said Minister Kennedy. "I look forward to hearing from individuals on how we work to achieve this important balance." Those who would like to participate in one of the scheduled consultation meetings are requested to register at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting by phoning 709-729-2944 or by e-mailing budget@gov.nl.ca. 2009 Pre-Budget Consultation Schedule
Groups and individuals who are unable to attend a session can make a submission by mail, fax or e-mail. 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. - 30 - Media contact: Tansy Mundon 2009 01 09 2:00 p.m. |
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