Each year, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance (the Committee) invites Canadians to share their ideas for the next federal budget. In June 2018, the Committee asked for recommendations on the theme, “Economic Growth: Ensuring Canada’s Competitiveness.” Over 650 businesses, not-for-profits, and individuals responded. This report presents their suggestions and proposals for the 2019 budget.

Chapter One describes the state of the Canadian economy. It also compares Canada’s competitiveness with that of the other Group of Seven (G7) countries and presents its main competitive strengths and weaknesses.

Chapter Two presents Canadians’ ideas about how the government can create an enabling economic environment. This includes ways to improve the framework for federal spending. The Committee also heard suggestions on how to support trade. Some Canadians proposed funding and building infrastructure.

Chapter Three contains ideas to make taxes and regulations more efficient. It includes various suggestions to improve businesses’ global competitiveness. It also contains ideas for reforming the tax system and fighting tax evasion. Some suggestions focus on personal tax, others on regulations for major projects and the financial sector.

Chapter Four highlights Canadians’ suggestions about innovation. They shared their ideas for funding research and development (R&D) and commercializing Canadian innovation and technology. In addition, the Committee heard proposals to help businesses, individuals and communities become more creative and innovative. Canadians also suggested ways to support innovation in certain sectors.

Chapter Five focuses on creating a well-functioning labour market. Canadians told the Committee they want more support to learn and develop job skills throughout their lives. They also want better working conditions and supports, especially for under-represented or marginalized groups such as women, Indigenous people, visible minorities and people with disabilities. Some suggestions aim to improve the labour environment in specific sectors.

Chapter Six is about education, childcare and healthcare. Canadians told the Committee that they want better funding and supports from early childhood education to university. They also suggested many ways to improve public health.

Chapter Seven asks the government to consider how to make communities stronger. Many people suggested supporting arts and culture. Some asked for better access to housing. Others want a wider social safety net. Canadians also asked the government to make communities safer.

Chapter Eight focuses on the environment and climate change. It contains suggestions on how to balance economic development with the environment. It also includes suggestions to change laws and fund programs to improve environmental health.

Chapter Nine presents suggestions on how to improve the effectiveness of federal programs and services. Some people suggested how departments could provide better services. Canadians also explained how the government should organize resources and federal strategies. Finally, they want to make sure the government gives enough international aid to the people who need it most.