Finance Committee reports on Budget 2012 consultations

The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services released its report recently on the Budget 2012 consultations.

The  report summarizes the budget priorities of British Columbians who  participated in the process, and contains 75 recommendations for next  year's provincial budget.

The recommendations are based on 15 public hearings held in communities  across the province over a five-week period, including two videoconference  hearings covering several additional communities.

To promote competitiveness, jobs and economic growth, the Committee recommended streamlining permitting processes and regulations, bridging the skills gap; and investing in northern development.

For programs and spending priorities, the Committee recommended maintaining health care, funding K-12 education, strengthening post-secondary education, resourcing community services and enhancing court services.

The Committee's recommendations regarding fiscal management included balancing the budget and protecting the Province's AAA credit rating.

The budget consultations are held annually as part of the Committee's mandate. Further information, as well as the Committee's report, is available on-line at http://www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/index.htm.