BC – The all-party Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services has announced its Budget 2019 consultation process.
The consultation will open on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, and close on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, at 5 p.m. (Pacific time).
British Columbians can provide their ideas for the next provincial budget by speaking with the committee in person or by telephone at a public hearing, by providing a written, audio or video submission, or by filling out an online survey. The committee must release its report by Nov. 15.
“This consultation is a great opportunity for British Columbians to share their priorities for Budget 2019,” said Bob D’Eith, committee chair. “In renewing our consultation outreach, we are encouraging more British Columbians to participate, including Indigenous organizations, community-based groups and first-time participants.
“The committee appreciates hearing directly from British Columbians on a broad range of issues and topics,” said Dan Ashton, deputy chair. “We work collaboratively to review all the input and make recommendations for the upcoming provincial budget.”
Registration for public hearings will open on Friday, Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. (Pacific time) via the committee’s website.
The committee will hold public hearings in 14 communities throughout the province:
Dawson Creek (Sept. 17)
Prince George (Sept. 18)
Smithers (Sept. 18)
Masset (Sept. 19)
Campbell River (Sept. 20)
Vancouver (Sept. 24)
Cranbrook (Sept. 25)
Trail (Sept. 25)
Nelson (Sept. 26)
Kamloops (Sept. 26)
Kelowna (Sept. 27)
Esquimalt (Oct. 9)
Mission (Oct. 10)
Surrey (Oct. 11)
British Columbians may also request to participate via teleconference opportunities by calling 1 877 428-8337 toll-free in B.C. from 9 a.m. onward on Friday, Sept. 7. Open-mike opportunities will also be available at public hearings.
The members of the committee are:
Bob D’Eith, MLA Maple Ridge-Mission (chair);
Dan Ashton, MLA Penticton (deputy chair);
Jagrup Brar, MLA Surrey-Fleetwood;
Stephanie Cadieux, MLA Surrey South;
Mitzi Dean, MLA Esquimalt-Metchosin;
Sonia Furstenau, MLA Cowichan Valley;
Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA Courtenay-Comox;
Peter Milobar, MLA Kamloops-North Thompson; and
Tracy Redies, MLA Surrey-White Rock.
