HOUSE OF COMMONS
STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE INVITES CANADIANS TO PARTICIPATE IN ITS
PRE-BUDGET DISCUSSIONS
The release of the results of the most
recent Census provides Canadians with an opportunity to take stock of our
nation at the beginning of the 21st Century – who we are, and where
and how we live – and to begin to think about what actions must be taken today
in order that, when the next Census results are released five years from now,
we are moving toward the future that Canadians want.
It is within this context that the House of
Commons Standing Committee on Finance invites Canadians to participate in its
pre-budget discussions with a view to making recommendations that, when given
legislative or policy expression, will help ensure that Canadians can achieve
the future they envision. The Committee feels that two themes are important as
we plan for our future:
·
How Canada can best assure greater
levels of economic prosperity, widely shared by all Canadians, and
·
How the government can best assure the
highest quality of life for all.
Attaining greater economic prosperity
depends on a number of key conditions, including a high level of innovation and
productivity, and a business environment favourable to economic growth and
trade. For its part, the government can help foster innovation by creating an
appropriate climate for investment in research and development as well as in
lifelong learning and skills development. Also, business growth and trade are
aided by appropriate taxation and other measures, including a continued
commitment to debt reduction.
While economic prosperity is an important
contributor to Canadians’ quality of life, it is only one of the factors that
make Canada the envy of the world. Ensuring a continuing high quality of life
for Canadians means making decisions that positively address environmental
concerns, the needs of vulnerable Canadians, and the sustainability of our
communities.
As in previous years, the Committee wants
Canadians to participate in a national dialogue to determine your priorities
and specific proposals to ensure our future economic prosperity and quality of
life. We will conduct cross-country hearings in the Fall with both groups and
individual Canadians. As well, hearings will be held in Ottawa in the Spring
and Fall.
We invite Canadians to submit written
briefs to the Committee. To participate in the Committee’s pre-budget discussions,
please contact the Clerk of the Standing Committee on Finance at Room 603,
Wellington Building, House of Commons, Ottawa K1A 0A6; phone (613) 992-9753;
fax (613) 943-0307; email fina@parl.gc.ca.
Written briefs should be submitted no later than September 9, 2002.