POLITICS Some budget items on target BY ASHLEY FITZPATRICK

Ahead of Budget 2018, The Telegram did a checkup on some of the spending highlighted by the government at the time of the last provincial budget.

The focus was on planned infrastructure projects and items emphasized in Liberal budget documents. The largest expenditures by the government, relating to salaries and operational costs, continue to be tied to ongoing union negotiations and new contract deals.

Some of the one-off items announced in Budget 2017 are coming in under budget, some are on budget and some are costing more than expected. Some items have since been reconsidered. A few items are highlighted here.

Consultations for Budget 2018 are ongoing. If there is a particular project for the future you would like to voice support for, in-person consultations — public meetings — are expected to begin Jan. 15. Details on specific dates, times and locations are expected soon. More information is available online at engagenl.ca.