Pre-budget consultations: Have your voice heard! 

The NLAC encourages members of the arts community throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to engage in the consultation process, as outlined in the release below.  Note that you only have 48 hours prior to the consultation you plan to attend to register participation. Please take a moment to review the schedule chart that follows the release to find the nearest consultation to you, or visit the www.gov.nl.ca/fin for ways to provide feedback online. 

Engaging Public a Priority for Pre-Budget Consultations

Province-wide pre-budget consultation sessions will start next week with the first sessions scheduled for Monday, February 23 in Bay Roberts and Marystown. In addition to the community sessions, people can share their ideas and become more fully engaged in planning Budget 2015 through the use of interactive online materials.

“There is no question that we have a significant fiscal challenge. As a government, the decline in oil prices places a great strain on our revenues and we need to adjust our course to meet this new reality head-on. We recognize the importance of engaging Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in how they feel government should structure the provincial budget in these challenging times. We look forward to hearing from people through the various opportunities that will be available to the public to voice their opinions.” 
– The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

A schedule for the sessions is provided in the backgrounder below.

To complement the community consultations sessions, the Department of Finance will launch new online material at www.gov.nl.ca/fin. The site will feature information on the budget planning process, a budget simulator and options for submitting feedback electronically. Also, interactive software called the Dialogue App will be available to allow individuals to share and discuss their ideas on how to address the budget deficit resulting from the unforeseen global drop in oil prices.

Those who would like to participate in a community consultation session 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.

Written submissions can continue to be made via mail to: Minister of Finance, c/o Pre-Budget 2015, 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. All submissions will be posted on the Department of Finance website as they become available.

“It is a priority for this government to collaborate and hear feedback directly from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians during our annual budget planning. In 2015, people are more connected, educated and informed than ever before, and they increasingly expect to participate in the decision-making process. When the public is engaged, government can utilize its expertise to make more informed decisions.” 
– Minister Wiseman

QUICK FACTS

• Pre-budget consultations will begin on February 23, 2015 and will take place province-wide. A schedule for the sessions is provided in the backgrounder below.
• Residents are encouraged to visit the Department of Finance website at www.gov.nl.ca/fin to view the various methods of engaging in the pre-budget process including a budget simulator, electronic submission and the Dialogue App.
• 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.

BACKGROUNDER

Schedule for 2015 Pre-Budget Consultations
February 23 – March 6