Minister Morneau Launches Pre-Budget Consultations

Canadians Invited to Offer Their Ideas on How to Grow and Strengthen the Middle Class

November 9, 2017 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

When you have an economy that works for the middle class, you have a country that works for everyone. The investments the Government of Canada has made in people, communities and the economy are working. Over 500,000 new jobs have been created since 2015 and the unemployment rate is at its lowest level since 2008. Canada now has the fastest-growing economy in the G7, giving the Government the ability to reinvest the benefits of that growth back into the people who contributed most to that success.

Today at a youth event in Toronto hosted by the WE organization, Finance Minister Bill Morneau launched the Government of Canada's consultations for Budget 2018. Minister Morneau invited Canadians to provide their ideas and suggestions on how the Government can make sure they are ready for the changes and opportunities that lie ahead, and what their family, community and country need to face the future with confidence.

As Canada's economy continues to grow, it is important to ensure that the benefits of that growth are shared by the middle class and those working hard to join it. That means continuing to make smart investments in people and communities to ensure continued progress for the middle class, and investing in lifelong learning to give Canadians the tools they need to find good, well-paying jobs in the economy of tomorrow. It also means ensuring that government policy and budget decisions consider impacts on all genders and advance gender equality.

Over the coming weeks, Canadians will have a variety of ways to submit their ideas to the Government as part of pre-budget consultations. That includes in-person and digital events with the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary Joël Lightbound, events with other Parliamentarians, and online through the website launched today, www.budget.gc.ca/pbc18.