Ottawa, February 7, 2007 2007-010
Related document:
Invitation by the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of
Finance, to Pre-Budget Web Consultations
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today launched online consultations, giving Canadians from coast to coast to coast an opportunity to participate in the development of Budget 2007. Canada's New Government held federal online consultations for the first time during the development of last year's budget.
"By offering these consultations, we are giving all Canadians an opportunity to play a role in the federal budget process," said Minister Flaherty. "I encourage everyone to take the time to submit any ideas and comments they might have. Their input will be seriously considered for this budget and future budgets."
Last year nearly 6,000 Canadians participated in the online consultation process. People provided a wide range of responses touching on everything from tax reductions to infrastructure investments.
In order to make the consultations as user-friendly and efficient as possible, this year responses will be organized under the following five headings: spending, personal tax, corporate tax, debt and other. Responses will be limited to no more than 50 words per topic to ensure succinctness and allow for quick evaluation.
The consultations will end at 12 midnight EST on February 28, 2007. "The online consultations will conclude at the end of February, giving us plenty of time to reflect on the ideas and comments submitted by Canadians well in advance of the budget date, which has not yet been set," said Minister Flaherty.
The pre-budget consultation page on the Department of Finance website can be found at http://www.fin.gc.ca/activty/consult_e.html.
The page contains an invitation to all Canadians to participate in the online consultations. It also features links to Advantage Canada, a long-term economic plan that sets out a bold and exciting course for a strong, united and outward-looking Canada.
___________________________________ For further information, media may contact:
Chisholm Pothier
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861
David Gamble
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
If you would like to receive automatic e-mail notification of all news releases, please visit the Department of Finance website at http://www.fin.gc.ca/scripts/register_e.asp
Invitation by the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of
Finance, to Pre-Budget Web Consultations
February 7, 2007
As Minister of Finance, I welcome advice from Canadians on our country's economic and fiscal policies. This is particularly important as we prepare this budget and future budgets. Budgets must reflect the priorities of Canadian families and hard-working taxpayers.
Last year nearly 6,000 Canadians participated in the online consultation process. People provided a wide range of responses touching on everything from tax reductions to infrastructure investments. We are again looking for your ideas and insights as we prepare Budget 2007.
We also invited Canadians to participate in the development of our long-term economic plan called Advantage Canada. Advantage Canada sets out a bold and exciting course for a strong, united and outward-looking Canada. I encourage you to take a close look at this plan and other relevant information elsewhere on this site.
In closing, let me say Canada's New Government seeks to deliver a budget that is forward-looking and delivers results that can make a positive difference in your life and that of your family. I am confident your ideas and advice will help us build a stronger, safer and better Canada.
Thank you.
