The provincial government has released the feedback it’s received from pre-budget consultations.

Government received over 300 submissions.

Among the suggestions on reducing costs in health care are the amalgamation of health authorities into one, greater use of nurse practitioners, and decreasing overtime costs by hiring more staff.

Another suggestion is to charge patients who don’t show up for appointments.

In education, suggestions include private sector school busing, a reduction in the number of schools and distinct programming for students with disabilities.

When in comes to post-secondary education the document shows that half of those who responded online feel tuition fee increases need to be considered, there needs to be greater recruitment of international students, and more supports to help students stay in the province.