Released on January 22, 1999
Finance Minister Eric Cline today announced the government receivedvaluable input from thousands of residents during the pre-budget
consultation process.
"People across Saskatchewan, from all walks of life, have taken the
time to give us their input on the budget for 1999-2000," Cline said.
"The government is considering all of the comments received as we
prepare the budget. I am pleased with the thoughtfulness shown in
many of the responses. This just goes to show the value of hearing
from people first-hand."
The provincial government received 4,000 written responses through
e-mail and mail-in surveys, as well as 150 calls to the toll-free
pre-budget consultation line. There were also 900 hits on the
pre-budget website.
"The input gives us a clear indication that Saskatchewan people want
the government to continue a balanced approach to fiscal management,"
Cline said. "Saskatchewan residents would like to see government
focus on priority areas such as health care and they would like to see
continued tax reduction. But they do not want any increased spending
or tax reductions that would put us back into the deficit financing we
saw in the 1980s.
"The common sense of Saskatchewan people comes through in the
responses we've received. We are committed to applying that same
common sense as we finalize the 1999-2000 Budget."
People can still visit the pre-budget website, located at
www.gov.sk.ca.future to see more information about the budget or
to try the interactive budget worksheet.
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. Anyone who sent in their name and address
with their comments will be receiving a copy in the mail. Others
who are interested can request a copy of the report by calling
the toll-free line at 1-888-287-8868.
"Consultations like this one are an important way to give the
public a direct say in important decisions like the budget,"
Cline said. "This government is committed to continuing to
consult with the public on issues that affect their lives."
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For more information, contact:
Debbie Wilkie
Finance
Regina
Phone: (306)787-8112