Released on November 27, 1998
Finance Minister Eric Cline today announced the government hasreceived a strong response from Saskatchewan residents giving their
thoughts about how the government should prioritize its spending for
the 1999-2000 budget.
"We built many feedback mechanisms into the consultation process and
to date we have received approximately 2,000 responses," Cline said.
"We're still receiving hundreds of responses a day, so we're extending
the deadline for input to December 15. I encourage those who have not
yet done so to fill out and send in the survey in the Balancing Our
Future . . . Together report they received in their mail earlier this
month."
The provincial government has received 1,884 written responses through
e-mail and mail-in surveys, as well as 116 calls to the toll-free
pre-budget consultation line. There have also been 523 visits to the
pre-budget website.
"The government values people's input into the budget process, and we
have received feedback from people across Saskatchewan, from all walks
of life," Cline said. "I am especially pleased to note that several
teachers have requested the budget worksheets for use in classroom
exercises. This is an excellent way for young people to learn about
government and have a say in their future, and I would encourage all
teachers to consider doing the same."
People can also participate in an interactive budget worksheet
and send in comments from the pre-budget website, located at
www.gov.sk.ca.future. Or, they can e-mail comments directly to
prebudget@govmail.gov.sk.ca, or call the toll-free line at
1-888-287-8868.
People can also make their views known in person at public
meetings. Dozens of public discussion sessions hosted by MLAs
have taken place or are planned.
The Government will provide a written report on the results of
the pre-budget consultation when it introduces the 1999-2000
budget in the spring.
"We feel it is important to consult with Saskatchewan people
on the issues that affect them first-hand because every
Saskatchewan citizen is affected by the provincial budget in
terms of the taxes they pay and the services they receive,"
Cline said. "Input we receive from concerned citizens will
help the government prioritize its spending and set a sound
financial course for 1999-2000 and beyond."
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For more information contact:
Debbie Wilkie
Finance
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8112