Prince George, B.C. – Now’s your chance to provide feedback on the 2016 provincial budget.

Public consultations have been launched by the all-party Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and are based on the Budget 2016 Consultation Paper released by Finance Minister Mike de Jong.

The consultation paper provides information about taxes, employment, and investments in priority programs like education and job training,
healthcare and supports that help keep home ownership affordable.

The consultation guide invites feedback on a number of topics that will contribute to the upcoming February 2016 budget, including:

* Now that the budget is balanced and forecasting surpluses over three years, whether government should put a greater priority on debt
reduction, building infrastructure, or tax relief and affordability measures.

* Priorities among programs and services, like health care, education, social services, justice and safety, and environmental
protection – within the context of a balanced budget.

* Options government could consider to help make housing more affordable for those most in need without hurting families that
already own a home.

Unlike last year when the committee came to Prince George, this year’s consultation will be via videoconference.

It will take place Tuesday, September 29, from 4-7pm at Community Futures Fraser Fort George, located at 1566 Seventh Avenue.

It’s been changed to accommodate the fall sitting of the Legislative Assembly, which begins today.

The deadline for public input is midnight Thursday, October 15, 2015. If you are unable to attend a public hearing or videoconference session you can also send a written, audio or video submission.

You can also complete an online survey. To learn more click here.