December 15, 2008

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance launched the Government’s national consultation leading into its fourth budget, to be tabled on January 27, 2009. The national consultation will give all Canadians a voice in how to protect Canada’s economy. As in previous years, the Government will conduct online consultations, which begin today.

“It’s quite clear that Canada will continue to feel the effects of the global economic downturn,” said Minister Flaherty. “Our Government is developing our next budget to respond to this downturn. It will build on the progress we’ve made to keep our economy among the strongest in the industrialized world, and bring forward the measures we need to stimulate economic activity here in Canada, while avoiding a return to long-term structural deficits.”

“The Government is open to innovative new ideas that would help shape the plan for economic recovery in the 2009 budget,” continued Minister Flaherty.

The following ideas have been proposed as ways of providing stimulus in Budget 2009.

• Investing in housing
• Expediting infrastructure spending
• Building strong and sustainable labour markets and training incentives
• Supporting traditional and emerging industrial sectors
• Improving access to credit

As well as online consultations, the Minister will meet with individuals and groups including the provincial and territorial finance ministers. He will host roundtable discussions with invited stakeholders in five cities across Canada in the coming weeks.

MP Joe Preston stated, "I am proud to assist in this process as regional caucus chair. Many great ideas are coming forward through our ridings. All Members of Parliament in Southern Ontario are contributing.”

 “It is important that we hear the views of all Canadians on how to build on the actions our Government has already taken to help Canada weather the economic storm,” said Minister Flaherty.

To voice your suggestions, visit:  http://www.fin.gc.ca/activty/consult/prebud09_e.html