Canadian Mortgage News

November 2010 National News Archive

Minister of Finance Hosts Toronto Consultation on the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan

TORONTO, Ontario, November 19, 2010 — The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today hosted in Toronto a consultation with business leaders, as part of a series of discussions with Canadians on how Canada’s Economic Action Plan will continue to shape the country’s economic future in Budget 2011.

“People are concerned about the economy, jobs and their household budgets,” said Minister Flaherty. “We want to hear from Canadians on the next phase of our Economic Action Plan, which will focus on securing the recovery and returning to a balanced budget.”

These Economic Action Plan consultations will complement the broad economic consultations that the Prime Minister and individual Members of Parliament are conducting across the country to listen to Canadians. The Minister’s consultation will include a number of roundtables with accomplished Canadians, continued consultation with his Economic Advisory Council and town halls.

As part of efforts to listen to a wide variety of opinions, the Government is also conducting online consultations, which begin today. Those wishing to make submissions can do so by visiting http://www.fin.gc.ca/prebudget-prebudgetaire/1-eng.asp.

The Government is seeking responses from Canadians on a number of questions, including:

• The Canadian economy is on the right track—we are on the road for both economic recovery and balanced budgets. But the global economy is fragile and too many Canadians are still looking for work. Without throwing Canada off track for balanced budgets, what cost-neutral or non-spending steps can the federal government take in the next budget to help create jobs and promote economic growth?
• Canada is on track for balanced budgets in 2015–16. Is this timeframe appropriate? Should the federal government try to get back to balance sooner? Or should the timeline be delayed until later on?
• Government should always carefully manage taxpayers’ money to ensure the best value for money. The federal government is always focused on keeping spending in check and ensuring spending is as efficient and effective as possible. In what areas do you think the federal government can be more efficient and effective?
• What should Canada’s priorities be for the short and long term to encourage private sector growth and leadership in the economy?

The Government is also asking Canadians for any other ideas they care to submit.

“The comments we receive will play an important role in helping to shape the next federal budget and our economic and fiscal agenda,” said Minister Flaherty.

News source: Department of Finance