1 reply to this topic

[Ms. B. Havin]

It's the first time I've ever noticed this, but the province seeks public input on its budget planning for 2008. There are several ways to provide feedback, so have at it...

You can attend the public hearing[/url:f3f9f] to speak directly to the Committee in person (Victoria's meeting takes place on Friday October 19, beginning at 8 am with an extended closing time of 4 pm as opposed to the originally scheduled 1:30 pm). Or you can submit an [url=http://www.leg.bc.ca/budgetconsultations/survey.asp:f3f9f]online questionnaire[/url:f3f9f] or provide a [url=http://www.leg.bc.ca/budgetconsultations/participate.htm#WrittenSubmissions:f3f9f]written submission[/url:f3f9f]...

The questionnaire as well as the PDF format 4-page [url=http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/budgetconsultation/budgetbrochure.pdf:f3f9f]Budget 2008 Consultation[/url:f3f9f] brochure is at first glance totally geared around green issues (what do you want done to reduce greenhouse gases, etc etc etc). So, for example, we're "spun" toward the desired responses with this:

...our growing economy is generating new revenues. We can use these to encourage environmentally responsible choices, increase spending for health care and other government services, lower taxes or reduce debt.

Fine, but it's all kind of wishy-washy except for one specific item -- and it makes me wonder why it gets such special attention: the Vancouver Convention Centre... I'm thinking that maybe this is an opportunity to give the Province an earful about not forgetting about Victoria's needs?

Large Surplus Builds Hospitals, Schools and Roads
2006/07 Infrastructure Funding
A: Post-secondary
Institutions ($874m) 26%
B: Roads, Bridges and
Public Transit ($849m) 25%
C: Health Facilities ($760m) 23%
D: Schools ($322m) 10%
E: Ministry Capital ($309m) 9%
F: Social Housing and
Other Agencies ($144m) 4%
G: Vancouver Convention
Centre ($108m) 3%

A big surplus means a big investment in B.C.’s future. Last year’s $4.1 billion surplus allowed B.C. to reduce debt by $1 billion and finance a record $3.4 billion in construction projects like hospitals, schools and roads. These investments will improve the delivery of services and help meet the needs of a growing economy.

Well, let's not forget that this "big surplus" came out of our pockets in the first place...

Anyway, for your Inner Wonk, here's the portal page for all this stuff, from the Legislative Assemby of BC website (link at bottom of quote):

Budget 2008 Consultation
Have Your Say on British Columbia's Budget Priorities

Welcome to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services' budget consultations.

2007 marks the eighth year the Finance and Government Services Committee has conducted public consultations in accordance with the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act. These consultations into the province's future budget and fiscal policy are guided by the Budget 2008 Consultation Paper (PDF). Prepared by the Minister of Finance, this year's consultation paper was released on September 14, 2007.

In accordance with its terms of reference, the all-party Finance and Government Services Committee is empowered to “examine, inquire into and make recommendations with respect to the pre-budget consultation report” by conducting “public consultations across British Columbia on proposals and recommendations regarding the provincial budget and fiscal policy for the coming fiscal year.”

All submissions to the Committee must be received by the Office of the Clerk of Committees by Friday October 19, 2007. The Committee must present its report to the Legislative Assembly by November 15, 2007.
How to Participate

The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services strives to promote an inclusive consultation process using a variety of interactive methods to reach the broadest cross-section of the population as possible. Building on the record number of submissions received during last year's budget consultation process, the Committee is pleased to again offer four distinct consultation methods.

You can provide your views by:

* Completing the on-line Budget 2008 Consultation Questionnaire
* Appearing before the committee at one of its public hearings
* Providing written submissions, or
* Returning the Budget Consultation Mailer:

Last Updated: September 25, 2007
[url="http://www.leg.bc.ca/budgetconsultations"]http://www.leg.bc.ca/budgetconsultations

[G-Man]

They may have done it last year but I think that the public can always submit proposals to leg committees,