FREDERICTON (CNB) - Finance Minister Victor Boudreau will conduct a speaking tour of eight New Brunswick communities during the coming month.
"This speaking tour will allow me to talk about self-sufficiency and our 2008-2009 budget," Boudreau said. "It is important for us to maintain an open dialogue with New Brunswickers."
Boudreau will visit Saint-Léonard, Beresford, Paquetville, Neguac, Bouctouche, St. Stephen, Quispamsis, and Riverview. He will also take advantage of the opportunity to meet with various stakeholders to discuss priorities and suggestions for the 2008-09 budget.
"Once again this year, I will visit various regions of New Brunswick to meet people and discuss the issues affecting our province and our government," Boudreau said.
In December the Department of Finance launched a pre-budget consultation process via the Internet, inviting New Brunswickers to submit priorities and suggestions for the 2008-09 budget.
"From the comments we have received so far, health, education, economic development and job creation are the top priorities for New Brunswickers," Boudreau said. He said that decisions have yet to be made regarding the 2008-09 budget. He invites people to participate in the online pre-budget process or to submit their comments in writing.
The public may view and complete a pre-budget consultation questionnaire online, or send comments or submissions in writing to:
2008-09 Pre-Budget Consultation
Minister of Finance
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, N.B.
E3B 5H1
Fax: 506-457-4989
Schedule for the finance minister's 2008-09 speaking tour:
Jan. 9: Auberge Près-du-Lac Inn, Grand Falls, 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 10: Club d'âge d'or, Paquetville, 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 11: Restaurant Chez Raymond, Neguac, 8 a.m.
Jan. 11: Club d'âge d'or, Bouctouche, 12:30 p.m.
Jan. 24: St. Patrick's Hall, St. Stephen, 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 25: Amsterdam Inn, Quispamsis, 12:30 p.m.
Jan. 28: Moncton Golf and Country Club, 12:30 p.m.
Feb. 5: Danny's Conference Centre, Beresford, noon