News Release
Office of the Official Opposition
 

Finance Minister asked to disclose true debt payments
January 30, 2004

Roger Grimes, Leader of the Official Opposition, has called upon the Finance Minister to release the list of payments actually made or due to be made from the government to pay the interest on our debt this year.

"The budget we presented anticipated payments of $556 million from the total $4.2 billion dollar budget to pay interest on the debt," stated Mr. Grimes. "This represents 13.8 % of the budget expenditure." (see attachment)

"I’m requesting this information in light of Danny Williams claim that $1 billion dollars or 25 % of the budget is spent on debt servicing," Mr. Grimes said. "These numbers are very different and someone needs to provide an explanation to the people of the province."

Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427