P.E.I. government releasing 2017-18 budget on Friday

The P.E.I. government is releasing the 2017-18 provincial operating budget on Friday.

The budget will be presented by Liberal Finance Minister Allen Roach in the Legislative Assembly at approximately 11:30 a.m.

• P.E.I. finance minister says federal and provincial budget priorities align
• P.E.I. still on schedule for surplus, says finance minister

In March, the province announced that the$9.6 million deficit projected in last year's budget has grown to almost $17.9million. Since then, the estimated deficit has grown to $18.9 million.

• 5 things to watch for during spring sitting of P.E.I. Legislature

Even so, the province said it still expects a surplus in this year's budget.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Small school/large school disparities remain, says teachers' union
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |P.E.I. rivers hit by fish kills remain closed to anglers