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CANADA – In a Google Hangout with university students from across the country, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau officially launched the Government’s pre-budget consultations and called upon Canadians to share their thoughts on how to better support the middle class, create jobs, and set the right conditions for long-term prosperity and stronger economic growth.
“Canadians expect to be at the table when decisions are made about their future,” says Morneau. “Real change means working together on the things that matter most in our everyday lives. These pre-budget consultations are a critical part of ensuring we are focused on the right priorities. I look forward to an honest, constructive dialogue about the significant challenges our economy faces, and the opportunities we can seize now to ensure a strong middle class, more prosperous communities and long-term, sustainable economic growth.”
Delivering on a promise for real change, the pre-budget consultations aim to put Canadians’ views front and centre over the coming weeks. Input received over the course of the consultations will be used to support an ambitious economic agenda that is inclusive, sustainable, prudent, and transparent.
The Government is seeking feedback from Canadians on a range of topics, including:
- In your opinion, how can we better support our middle class?
- What infrastructure needs can best help grow the economy, protect our environment, and meet your priorities locally?
- How can we create economic growth, protect the environment, and meet local priorities while ensuring that the most vulnerable don’t get left behind?
- Finally, is the implementation of these new priorities and initiatives realistic? Will it help us grow our economy?
Starting January 11, Minister Morneau will also be travelling to Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, and Surrey to host in-person, pre-budget consultations with stakeholders.
Parliamentary Secretary François-Philippe Champagne will be supporting Minister Morneau by hosting a similar series of pre-budget consultations across the country.
There are several ways Canadians can participate:
- Submissions can be made online through http://www.budget.gc.ca/pbc16/.
- Canadians can also tune in to one of two Facebook Live events coming up on January 11, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Atlantic Standard Time, hosted by Dalhousie University; and January 15, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., Mountain Standard Time, hosted by the University of Calgary. Questions can be posed online as of today in the comments section.
- Canadians can also reach out on Twitter, using the hashtag #PBC16.