FINA Committee Report

CHAIR’S REMARKS

First of all, I need to say thank you. Thank you to those witnesses throughout this comprehensive process who devoted their thinking, analysis and time to presentations to our Committee members. It is with their insight into their daily reality reflected onto a national, even global, perspective that a vision of what Canadians strive for in our collective future emerges.

Thank you also to those who provided the necessary support which enabled the participants’ efforts to be communicated through the final report. This includes the clerks of the Committee, Richard Dupuis, Marc Toupin, Lisa Chartier-Derouin and their assistants. An enormous amount of work was well done by the Committee researchers from the Parliamentary Research Branch, led by June Dewetering and assisted by Blayne Haggart, Marc-André Pigeon and their associates. The smooth functioning, especially during our cross-country travels, of interpretation, technical and logistical services specialists was noted and appreciated. My own Ottawa staff, Darlene Springall and Alex Ciappara, continually kept the appointments and paperwork straight during very hectic activity. Merci.

I believe all Parliamentarians come to Ottawa to work for the benefit of their constituents and to contribute to the policy development of the country. Without a doubt my colleagues, as members of the Finance Committee, have devoted much energy and time in reading, listening and questioning the 437 witnesses, including 279 organizations, in their efforts to provide input into and build this report. I respect and acknowledge their valued contribution.

In October, the Finance Minister provided in the Economic and Fiscal Update 2002 a longer-term planning timetable. Our report responds with not only a longer-term vision of Canada but sensitivity to the fact that, in the shorter term, budgetary resources are lesser and build over the upcoming years. We saw a holistic Canada, from the achievers aggressively leading a more innovative economy, to newcomers searching for a future that allows active contribution and participation, and inclusive of greater-challenged people within Canada demanding to be included so they can better their lives and contribute value to Canadian society.

The report continuously emphasizes transparency, accountability and productivity for smarter and targeted priorities. We heard many, many worthwhile suggestions and tried in the text, if not in the recommendations, to emphasize areas that can be fruitfully followed.

Over and over again, as we listened to the witnesses and read their briefs, an overlay of a Canadian value system emerged. Yes, we want prosperity. Yes, we want a high quality of life. But more importantly, we want it shared, as much as possible, by all. Smart choice is necessary. Priorities are the reality. We have tried to structure this report to reflect accurately what we heard. Where many people told us the same thing it is reported. Where there was dissent, you will see it. We have also worked together as a Committee to tell you what we support in the near and long term.

The reality of our place in Canada, our place in the world, comes down to the choices made among our expenditures, debt reduction and tax relief. There is no doubt that Canadians can achieve their priority goals.

Sue Barnes, M.P.