Oppostion leader James Aylward believes the government’s pre-budget consultation procees should be more comprehensive and inclusive and should be held for more than just one month.
Aylward says the federal government launches its budget consulations several months ahead of the actual budget being brought down in the House of Commons.
He says a 30 day period for public comment on how government wants to spent close to $2 billion annually on operating and capital budgets needs to be improved upon.
He also points out that the new Capital Budget has spending of over $133-million on schools, hospitals, seniors manors and road and bridge work and no public meetings were held on those important additions.
He says the Official Opposition will be holding their own public consultations on taxpayer priorities this winter in advance of the spring session of the PEI legislature.
Alyward says those meetings will be held town hall style and in evenings and on weekends when people have time. Electronic submissions and stakeholder meetings will be included.
He suggests that at least a three month pre-budget period be held with all stakeholders as well as public meetings in the community.