Minister Fortier meets with Ottawa-Gatineau business leaders for Budget 2021 consultations
News release
February 10, 2021 - Ottawa , Ontario - Department of Finance Canada
The government has a plan to make smart, targeted investments to jumpstart the country’s economic recovery so Canada can come roaring back after the pandemic.
That’s why, today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance, met virtually with the Ottawa Board of Trade and Le Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la capitale nationale, and leaders from the Ottawa business community to hear their ideas about how Budget 2021 can support businesses in the nation’s capital through the pandemic and position the city to come roaring back after the pandemic.
As we continue to fight this virus, small businesses face further challenges, increased costs to reopening and an uncertain economic future. The Government of Canada is committed to doing whatever it takes to support small businesses and their communities. Their success is critical as we recover, rebuild and grow an economy that improves the lives of every single person in Canada.
During today’s roundtable discussion, the Minister heard from both organizations about the very real challenges facing entrepreneurs and businesses in the national capital region during the pandemic. Minister Fortier also asked participants to share their ideas and priorities for how the government can best invest in Canada’s economy to create jobs and strengthen the middle class in the region, while building a greener, more competitive, more inclusive, and more resilient economy that leaves no one behind.
All Canadians are invited to share their ideas through an online questionnaire at LetsTalkBudget2021.ca, which will be available until February 19, 2021.
Quotes
“Today’s roundtable with Ottawa-Gatineau business owners and leaders in our community provided an opportunity to hear first-hand of their experiences during the pandemic, their vision for the future, and how our government can support them with a growth plan that will position the region for a strong economic recovery. The investments our government will make through Budget 2021 will strengthen and grow the middle class by creating good jobs and spurring innovation as part of an economy that is more competitive and resilient than ever.”
The Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance
Quick facts
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More than eight of every 10 dollars spent in Canada to fight COVID-19 and support Canadians has been spent by the federal government and this unprecedented support has prevented economic scarring and stabilized the economy.
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This includes programs like the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Business Account, which were put in place to protect jobs through this crisis.
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To continue supporting workers and businesses, the Government of Canada has increased the maximum base wage subsidy rate to 75 per cent, expanded the Canada Emergency Business Account, and launched the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support for businesses, among many other measures.
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Once the virus is under control, the Government of Canada will invest in a growth plan of roughly three to four per cent of GDP, between up to $70 and $100 billion, over three years, to jumpstart our recovery.
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Key to this stimulus plan will be smart, time-limited investments that can act fast and make a long-run contribution to Canada’s future shared prosperity, quality of life, competitiveness, and green transformation.
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Contacts
Media may contact:
Isabella Brisson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance
isabella.brisson@canada.ca
Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca
613-369-4000
General enquiries
Phone: 613-369-3710
Facsimile: 613-369-4065
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: fin.financepublic-financepublique.fin@canada.ca
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