BC – The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services is inviting British Columbians to share their priorities for the next provincial budget with the release of the Budget 2017 Consultation Paper.
The all-party Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services is hosting public consultations in communities across the province for Balanced Budget 2017, giving residents a chance to voice their opinions on topics including affordable housing, programs and services, economic diversity and the budget surplus.
Finance Minister Michael de Jong provided an update to the committee on the current fiscal plan and spoke about the Budget Consultation Paper. The Budget Consultation Paper acts as a starting point for a dialogue between the committee and British Columbians on budget priorities. The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services holds public consultations in September and October. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 14, 2016, and the final consultation report is released by Nov. 15, 2016.
The 2017 Budget Consultation Paper asks for views on such questions as:
- Given British Columbia’s broad geography and society, representing diverse sectors, people and cultures, what should government’s priority area of investment be in your region?
- We have enjoyed steady economic growth, creating the revenue that now allows us to expand these choices. What are the priorities that you want government to consider?
- What further suggestions can government consider to help make more affordable housing and rental supply within reach of more British Columbians?
British Columbians can share their views by completing an online survey, making a written, audio or video submission or by participating at one of the committee’s public hearings. Videoconference and teleconference options are also available.
