The upcoming provincial budget will focus on government’s plan to eliminate the deficit by 2014 while protecting vital programs and supports for Islanders, says Finance and Municipal Affairs Minister Wes Sheridan.

The 2011 budget will be presented on Wednesday, April 6 at 3 p.m. at the Legislative Assembly.

“A great deal of careful planning has gone into this budget to ensure that it supports the economic recovery, meets the needs of Islanders and helps us move forward together,” said Mr. Sheridan. “While we are determined to get spending in line with revenues, we will do it in a way that responds to what Islanders told us during the pre-budget consultations.”

Building on previous budgets, the 2011 budget will continue the progress being made to: stimulate the economy; introduce kindergarten into the public school system; enhance early childhood programs; and improve health services such as stroke care, provincial drug programs, manor replacement and health recruitment.

Hundreds of Islanders participated in pre-budget consultations. They included individuals as well as representatives of business, labour and professional associations.

Some of the most common requests were to continue to invest in education and early childhood development; invest in home care and other services that improve the quality of life for seniors; expand provincial drug programs; invest in green energy; eliminate the deficit, reduce the debt and control expenditures.

People can watch the delivery of the Budget Address at 3 p.m., April 6 on EastLink television or online at www.assembly.pe.ca. The budget documents will be posted online at www.gov.pe.ca/budget.

The fourth Session of the 63rd General Assembly will resume on Tuesday, April 5 at 2 p.m.