Deputy Prime Minister meets with private sector economists as part of pre-budget consultations

February 10, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada

Today, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, met virtually with Canada’s leading private sector economists to discuss the current state of Canada’s economy amidst the ongoing fight against COVID-19 as well as their expectations for Canada’s economic recovery.

The meeting was part of the Government of Canada’s pre-budget consultations. The government has used the projections of private sector economists for its fiscal planning since 1994, to ensure objectivity in its fiscal forecast. This practice is supported by the International Monetary Fund and the forecasts received by the federal government will inform the government’s work as it prepares Budget 2021.

During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister discussed the government’s plan to make smart, targeted investments to jumpstart the country’s economic recovery and begin to repair the damage done by the pandemic once COVID-19 is under control. This growth plan will create good middle class jobs and build a more innovative, green, and inclusive economy.

All Canadians are invited to share their ideas as part of the government’s pre-budget consultations through an online questionnaire at LetsTalkBudget2021.ca, which will be available until February 19, 2021.