Budget 2000

FOR OUR PEOPLE AND ECONOMY  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to deliver my first budget as Finance Minister and the first budget of this new century. It also marks another year of great celebration in the Province when we commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the European discovery of North America by the Vikings. We are again inviting the world to come celebrate with us. This is also the fifth budget of this government led by Premier Tobin, a government that not only promised, but has delivered, sound fiscal management. I am pleased to report today that for the fourth consecutive year we will have met or bettered our fiscal targets. This record is a testament to the fiscal responsibility that has been a hallmark of this government and a credit to my predecessor as Finance Minister, the Honourable Paul Dicks, who presided over those four budgets.  For 2000-01 we have balanced the need to maintain the fiscal health of our Province with the need to maintain our growing economy. The health care needs of the people of this Province are the priority issue for this government and of this budget. The health of our people is tied directly to the economic well-being of our Province. As our economy improves, so will our capacity to improve health care and other social programs. Supporting our economic health is also a priority for government. It is my privilege today to outline the many measures we are taking to ensure we address these priorities.

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