The federal government wants to hear from Canadians about rebuilding the budget in 2021 after the pandemic.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says pre-budget consultations have been launched.
She says their main focus right now is fighting the virus, but once that is accomplished, “Our focus is jobs, jobs, jobs and growth for the Canadian middle class. We know that, that is what the Canadian economy battered by the coronavirus needs.”
The Government of Canada will be holding virtual roundtables with diverse groups of people from a range of regions, sectors and industries, including those hardest hit by the pandemic.
Freeland says, “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.”
But they are looking for input from Canadians as well, “We look forward to hearing your thoughts on how the federal government can continue to prepare our country for a robust recovery. Your ideas on what we can do to ensure Canada comes roaring back from COVID.”
She expects responses could be diverse and sometimes contradictory, “Consulting broadly means you hear from a wide range of people.”
Canadians are invited to share their ideas through an online questionnaire at LetsTalkBudget2021.ca.
It will be available until February 19.
