FINA Committee News Release

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 21^st 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.