Future tense

The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Whatever It Is Joan Burke Is Minister Of This Year, responds to the Auditor-General's report:

Minister Responds to Auditor General Report; Budget 2010 Will Focus on Children

The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, today welcomed the Auditor General’s review of three areas now under the mandate of the new department: Child Care Services; Protective Intervention Program for Children at Risk; and Living Arrangements for Children and Youth.

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"Children and youth is a key area for our government in its budget considerations for this year," said Minister Burke. "We must make sure that we build on previous investments and that any new resources and investments are aligned and utilized to their greatest potential. We have the opportunity now to review all our existing programs and services and to focus on addressing the gaps and shortcomings."

There you have it. So if you were planning on attending the pre-budget consultations, which are to be held, in the future, in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Springdale, St. John’s, and Carbonear, you may as well stay home and save your breath, gas, or bus fare.