Premier Brian Pallister is looking for the public’s help to fix Manitoba's bleak bottom line.

Pallister said his government is beginning pre-budget consultations with businesses, front line workers and the public. He explained that he needs input in order to turn the province's bank account around.

The Premier admitted the challenge is large, as he inherited a billion dollar deficit and has promised to lower the PST back to 7 per cent within his first term.

On Wednesday Manitoba Hydro announced its debt was doubling to $25 billion.

Recently the province's credit rating was downgraded, leading to higher interest costs.

The government is in the process of conducting a value for money audit, which Pallister said will be released before the spring budget.