News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) - New Brunswickers are being invited to use the Department of Finance website to make suggestions about the province's budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

They may also forward their comments by fax, 506-457-4989, or make a written submission to Finance Minister Victor Boudreau, Department of Finance, P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, N.B., E3B 5H1. The deadline to forward a comment is Feb. 14, 2009.

"The province's economic and fiscal update was released on Dec. 3 and set out the context for the upcoming budget and the challenges facing the province," said Boudreau. "Global developments are leading to an economic slowdown in New Brunswick, affecting people, businesses and government."

The pre-budget consultations are an integral part of the annual budget process. The government is inviting individuals, businesses and stakeholders to comment over the next two months on how New Brunswick may achieve greater self-sufficiency while maintaining fiscal responsibility in difficult economic conditions.

"In the current economic reality, it is imperative that we provide the necessary leadership that will help stimulate spending, investment, jobs and growth that will support New Brunswick businesses and individuals and lead us out of the economic slowdown," said Boudreau. "We must balance this with fiscal responsibility. We need to ensure that we are delivering public services as efficiently as possible."

Boudreau is encouraging all New Brunswickers to visit the department's website to learn more about the province's finances as well as a number of options by which New Brunswickers may make their views known.