Richmond residents are being asked to provide input on the 2012/13 provincial budget when the B.C. government's select standing committee on finance holds its public consultation on Friday, Oct. 14.
The finance committee is gathering ideas from British Columbians about spending priorities, tax relief, deficit management and other fiscal issues as part of its process to prepare recommendations to the Ministry of Finance.
"This committee's mandate is to listen to residents and then make tax and policy recommendations to the finance minister to assist him with the provincial budget," said Richmond Centre MLA Rob Howard, chair of the select standing committee.
"We're especially looking for ways to protect vital services such as health care and education, while working to defend and create jobs.
d create jobs. "I am looking forward to hearing the insights British Columbians have. In these economic times, governments around the world which are not fiscally responsible are being held to account, so this consultation is extremely important."
The committee will hold its public hearing Oct. 14 in Richmond at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The all-party committee is holding 15 hearings in different regions of the province.
The committee system allows members of the public to have direct input into the parliamentary process by making written, video conference and electronic submissions and attending public hearings.
The public can make submissions in person at the meeting, by letter, or by email.
Details on how to register to make a presentation - as well as how to contribute by letter or email - are at www.leg. bc.ca/budgetconsultations/
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