Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, launched pre-budget consultations. These discussions allow the government to hear the best ideas from Canadians about how the budget can support Canadians and businesses and ensure a strong economic recovery for everyone.
Almost two years ago, the Government of Canada put in place an economic response plan to meet the unprecedented challenge of the pandemic. The plan is working: Canada has exceeded its goal of creating a million jobs, well ahead of expectations; Canada has the strongest jobs recovery in the G7; and as of December, Canada has recouped 108 per cent of the jobs lost at the depths of the pandemic, compared to only 84 per cent in the United States. Canada's GDP is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2022.
As we look to the years ahead, the government's focus will continue to be on jobs and growth and making life more affordable. Over the coming weeks, the government will hold virtual roundtables with diverse groups of people from a range of communities, regions, sectors and industries, including those who continue to be deeply affected by the pandemic. These roundtables are an opportunity to discuss the very real challenges Canadians are facing and for the government to hear how it can keep making life more affordable and build a better economy for all Canadians.
All Canadians are invited to make submissions and share their ideas at LetsTalkBudget2022.ca, which will be available until February 25, 2022.
