FREDERICTON — Provincial finances are expected to be the focus when New Brunswick Premier David Alward presents his annual state of the province address tonight on live television.

The speech is also expected to focus on the measures Alward's Conservative government are prepared to take to erase a looming deficit.

New Brunswick is on track for its fourth consecutive annual deficit and a net debt that's expected to top $10 billion.

The government has ordered all departments to reduce spending, but earlier this month Auditor General Kim MacPherson said more drastic cuts are needed to improve the fiscal picture.

Finance Minister Blaine Higgs has been travelling the province gathering suggestions in advance of his budget to be delivered in late March.

The Liberal Opposition has been critical of the Tory government, saying not enough is being done to grow the economy.