Province Starts Budget Consultation Process

Monday, October 02, 2006 01:56 PM

Households across the province have started receiving this flyer

Although Provincial Finance Minister Carole Taylor was not able to make it to Prince George today as planned, flyers in the mail carried part of her message.

The document asks British Columbians to share their thoughts on where the Government should spend more, or spend less in the next budget. "I think most people will welcome the first question, where would you spend more?" says Education Minister Shirley Bond "But I don't think they will feel as comfortable with the second question which asks: Where would you spend less?"

Bond (show at left) addressed the Prince George Chamber of Commerce luncheon today where Taylor was supposed to speak but couldn't get to Prince George on time because YXS was socked in with fog.

Bond told the group that while the economic predictions say things are good there are concerns "A 5% increase in health care spending translates into an extra $650 million dollars a year" says Bond who added it is imposible to talk about the budget without discussing the future of Health care services in the province, the two are so intertwined.

"This process of engaging the public is critical" says Bond who says new sources of revenue need to be identified. "There are vulnerabilities" she says "the housing market slump in the U.S. has an impact, as does a drop in the price of natural gas." She called on small business to send their ideas to the government "If small business is doing well, then the province is doing well" she told the group.

There are several ways to share your thoughts on where the government should increase or decrease spending. You can pre-register to make a presentation to the Select Standing Committee at its meeting in Prince George Wednesday, (visit the website for more info www.leg.bc.ca/budgetconsultations)

You can mail your submission :

Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services

Room 224 Parliament Buildings

Vioctoria B.C. V8V 1X4

or send an e-mail to FinanceCommittee@leg.bc.ca

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