Today, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, and the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance, the Honourable Mona Fortier, launched pre-budget consultations. These discussions allow the government to hear the best ideas from Canadians and experts across the country about how Budget 2021 can support Canadians through the pandemic and help us build back better.
When COVID-19 is under control and Canada's economy is ready to rebound, the government has a plan to make smart, targeted investments to jumpstart the country's economic recovery and begin to repair the damage done by the pandemic. These pre-budget consultations are an opportunity for Canadians from across the country to share their ideas and priorities for how the government can best invest to create jobs, strengthen the middle class, and build a greener, more competitive, more inclusive, and more resilient economy.
Over the coming weeks, the Government of Canada will hold virtual roundtables with diverse groups of people from a range of regions, sectors and industries, including those hardest hit by the pandemic. These roundtables are an opportunity to discuss the very real challenges Canadians are facing and listen to ways that the government can ensure a robust recovery that leaves no one behind.
Most importantly, all Canadians are invited to share their ideas through an online questionnaire at LetsTalkBudget2021.ca, which will be available until February 19, 2021.
Quotes
"The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of Canadians across the country, who have faced tremendous challenges. Together, we are fighting to bring this virus under control and, once we do, Canada will be ready for a recovery that brings our economy roaring back. To prepare, our government is listening directly to Canadians so we can ensure Canada's investments have the greatest impact. We want to hear ideas from Canadians, from all walks of life, on how to restore strong growth, forge a more resilient middle class, and build back better. This is your budget; tell us what matters most to you."
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
"Our government's top priority remains supporting workers and businesses, and protecting the health and wellbeing of all Canadians. As we prepare our upcoming budget, our government wants to hear from you. Over the coming weeks, we will be listening to your ideas about how the government can support clean economic growth, create good jobs, improve Canadians' quality of life and ensure our recovery is inclusive and progressive for the middle class. I look forward to hearing directly from you."
The Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance
