As you know, Canada is in the midst of a global economic recession.  Our Government has taken strong preventative action to address the needs of Canadians by acting to circumvent the recession that started beyond our borders.

We presented the earliest federal budget in history last January.  That budget outlined Canada’s Economic Action Plan – a timely, targeted and temporary plan to save and protect jobs today, while preparing for the economy of tomorrow.  Since January, we've been implementing our plan as quickly and effectively as possible.

Looking forward as our Government prepares Budget 2010, I would like to invite you to make your voice heard.  The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance is asking for all Canadians to provide their input – in person or in writing – as part of their annual pre-budget consultation hearings.

Many of the recommendations flowing out of this consultation process from businesses, organizations and individuals are traditionally implemented in the federal budget.  The deadlines to participate are fast-approaching.

Friday July 31st is the deadline to apply to appear in-person, as this fall the Committee is scheduled to visit Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Summerside, St. John’s (Newfoundland), Quebec City, Regina, Winnipeg, and Toronto.  The deadline for written submissions is Friday, August 14^th. 

To appear in-person – deadline July 31st:

• Contact the Clerk of the Standing Committee on Finance, by phone at (613) 992-3150 or by e-mail at fina@parl.gc.ca.  Provide your name or your group’s name along with an address, phone number or email.  Also, indicate your three preferred locations to appear.

To make a written submission – deadline August 14th:

• Contact the Clerk of the Standing Committee on Finance, by phone at (613) 992-3150 or by e-mail at fina@parl.gc.ca. Submissions should be no more than 5 pages in length and include a short executive summary prioritizing your proposals. Provide your name or your group’s name along with an address, phone number or email.

Additional information can be found online here.

With your participation, we can help ensure the priorities of our community continue to be heard loud and clear.

Regards,

Blaine