April 7th has been set as budget day in Newfoundland and Labrador.

A lot has changed since last year’s document was released, and a number of processes that were hinted at in the 2021 budget have been launched and are underway.

One of those is a $5-million review of all government assets – including NLC and Marble Mountain – by Rothschild and Company, which is due by the end of this month.

Government has also begun a “marine market sounding” process for the intra-provincial ferry service.

Last year’s budget was based on an average oil price of $64 a barrel US.

The price of Brent crude as of Friday afternoon was just under $114 US a barrel.

Finance Minister Siobhan Coady announced a reduction in the province’s deficit and net debt during her fall fiscal update.

The provincial government says this year’s budget will set the direction for what it calls a “strong, smart, self-sufficient and sustainable province,” while addressing financial challenges.