Budget coming March 29

Newfoundland and Labrador's legislature will reopen next Monday, with the annual budget coming a week later.

Lt.-Gov. John Crosbie will read the speech from the throne on March 22, outlining the priorities for Premier Danny Williams and the governing Progressive Conservatives.

The provincial budget will follow on March 29. The budget speech will determine how much — if any — of a deficit the government is running in the current fiscal year.

Last year, government forecast a deficit of $750 million, although stronger-than-anticipated oil revenues have softened the expectations on the deficit.

"Government is looking forward to getting back in the house of assembly and resuming our legislative agenda," Government House Leader Joan Burke said in a statement.

"I am sure this year's spring session will be productive and full of healthy and informed debates among all members."