Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first budget will be tabled in the House of Commons today.

It will be the first federal fiscal update in almost a year.

Ottawa has promised a responsible budget, coupled with heavy spending in so-called “nation-building” projects.

Premier Tony Wakeham has already spoken with the Prime Minister and outlined what this province is looking for.

“I raised the issues around the defense spending, in particular when it comes to nation-building projects. I talked about the challenges of Bay du Nord and our offshore oil, and all of those things are important to us,” he told reporters.

“If there’s truly going to be nation-building projects, then as part of this nation, I expect Newfoundland and Labrador to be part of those nation-building projects.”

In the meantime, while the federal Conservatives have not said whether they will support the budget, the minority Liberals will need the support of other parties or a federal election could be triggered. Many pundits are expecting some absences when the budget is presented before the House of Commons.