As a part of its 1999 pre-budget consultation, the Government of Saskatchewan asked the Canada West Foundation and the Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy to convene and host a broadly representative conference of Saskatchewan citizens to discuss citizen priorities and choices for the upcoming budget. A cross section of citizens and spokespersons for various organisations and interest groups were invited, and a one and one-half day conference was convened in Saskatoon, starting on November 30, 1998. The conference was entitled "Building Saskatchewan's Future". SCN-the Saskatchewan Communications Network-televised the proceedings.