Province launches consultation period for 2019 Budget process

Finance Minister Carole James is looking for feedback from British Columnbians
to assist the government in preparation for the 2019 budget process.

Finance Minister Carole James is looking for some advice when it comes to putting together next year's British Columbia budget and towards that process the NDP government has launched its one month consultation period this week.

The province wide engagement providing for a mix of community forums and on line opportunities to highlight the important elements that British Columbians want to make note of.

Last week, the Finance Ministry issued an update on the process which outlined the impact that the consultations can have in crafting the budget document, noting how last years process worked and what they hope to achieve this year.

In its first year, government has made progress in making life more affordable, improving the services people count on and creating a strong, sustainable economy throughout the province. Looking ahead to Budget 2019, government will remain focused on these areas while maintaining prudent fiscal management. 

 The Budget 2019 consultation paper will help government better understand the priorities of British Columbians. The consultation asks people to share their views on how government can best support a diverse and sustainable economy and maintain a balanced budget that invests in the people of B.C.

As part of the province wide engagement Members of  the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services will be holding hearings in fourteen communities from September 17 to October 11th.

As we noted on the blog earlier this month, there are only two community hearings scheduled for the Northwest and Haida Gwaii, with stops planned for Smithers on September 18th and  Masset on September 19th.

Those that can't  make it to the public hearing sessions can still contribute to the process by making a written, audio or video submission, or by completing a survey to offer their thoughts on what the Premier and his Finance minister need to consider as they work to deliver the Budget in the Spring of next year.

You can review the full Budget 2019 Consultation Document here.

More information on how to participate in the online process can be found here.

Further background on the work of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services can be reviewed here.

The deadline for participation by British Columbians is October 15th.

More notes on the political scene out of Victoria can be found from our Legislature archive.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.