Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams said Thursday he has asked federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff and other premiers to back a one-year moratorium on equalization changes.

Williams, who says changes introduced in Tuesday's budget would see his province lose about $1.6 billion in anticipated revenues over the next three years, said the new budget would also hurt Quebec, Manitoba and the three Maritime provinces.

Williams told reporters that he wants Ignatieff, who has so far refused to endorse the Conservative budget, to discuss the one-year moratorium with advisers.

Williams said he has the backing of Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald and Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz.

The budget includes changes in equalization that would lop some $1.6 billion over three fiscal years in what Newfoundland and Labrador expected to receive in offset payments related to the original 1985 Atlantic Accord.

Newfoundland and Labrador stopped receiving equalization last year, largely on the strength of its offshore oil industry. However, it still qualifies for Atlantic Accord payments. Williams said the new budget removes the option for provinces to make choices in federal programs that can improve its financial position.