Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Speaks with Chief Economists 

May 19, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada

Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, met virtually with chief economists from major Canadian financial institutions to listen to their views on the state of the Canadian and global economies and their expectations for the months and years ahead.

The Deputy Prime Minister began the meeting by outlining the government’s plan to create jobs and economic growth and ensure a robust and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 recession, as laid out in the recent federal budget. The Deputy Prime Minister referenced major policy measures in the budget and the positive impact that they will have on Canada’s growth trajectory. These growth measures include the historic commitment to establish a Canada-wide early learning and child care system, the suite of new measures to support small businesses, and investments to build a net-zero economy.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted the economic importance of finishing the fight against COVID-19 as well as the increasing vaccination rates across the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister also sought views on the issue of housing affordability and recent trends in the housing market during the pandemic.

During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining a prudent and sustainable path forward for Canada’s public finances, which the federal budget will do, particularly by reducing the federal debt as a share of the economy over the medium-term. 

Related Links

• News release: Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience
• Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience