P.E.I. government wants public input on balancing provincial budget

Islanders are being asked to share their ideas on how the P.E.I. government can overcome its current deficit and balance the 2016-17 provincial budget.

Finance Minister Allen Roach said pre-budget consultations are set to begin across P.E.I., adding the government needs to hear what's most important to Islanders.

According to the province, the budget deficit stands at $32.9 million as of September 2015, and its multi-year fiscal plan forecasts a surplus of $11.9 million in the 2016-17 budget but the province wants the public to weigh in on how to get here.

Four consultations will be held across the Island, with the first on Jan. 21 in O'Leary and continuing until Feb. 11. Pre-registration to attend the consultations is required.

Participants will be asked if they think growing the economy and increasing revenue is the best option, or if programs and services should receive a change in funding.

They will also be asked whether taxes should be lowered and if so, determine what spending should be decreased to make up for the loss in revenue.

Resident who can't attend one of the consultations can provide feedback online until Feb. 18.