Minister Morneau Announces Pre-Budget Consultations Wrap-up

Canadians encouraged to offer their ideas by January 26 on how to grow and strengthen the middle class

January 12, 2018 – 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. Since 2015, Canadians have created almost 700,000 new jobs and the unemployment rate is at its lowest level in over 40 years. Since the beginning of 2016, Canada has had 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 Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced that Friday, January 26 will be the last day of the Government's consultations for Budget 2018. Over the next two weeks, Minister Morneau invites 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 on 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.

Canadians can submit their ideas to the Government as part of pre-budget consultations until January 26 at 11:59 p.m., through the website: www.budget.gc.ca/pbc18.