OTTAWA - Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson - Cariboo, I began my annual pre-budget consultation process last week. Over the coming days I will be visiting with municipalities, organizations and individuals looking for their input for Budget 2011. These consultations will culminate when I host a pre-budget roundtable meeting on January 20th with the Honourable James Flaherty, Minister of Finance.
The focus of the meetings will be how Canada’s Economic Action plan will continue to shape Budget 2011. For those wishing to take part in the roundtable with Minister Flaherty, please make a submission to my office by January 15th focusing on answers to the following questions:
• Without throwing Canada off track for balanced budgets, what cost-neutral or non-spending steps can the federal government take in the next budget to help create jobs and promote economic growth?
• Canada is on track for balanced budgets in 2015–16. Is this time frame appropriate? Should the federal government try to get back to balance sooner? Or should the time line be delayed until later on?
• In what areas do you think the federal government can be more efficient and effective?
• What should Canada’s priorities be for the short and long term to encourage private sector growth and leadership in the economy?
All submissions will be forwarded to Minister Flaherty, with 25 individuals or organizations given the opportunity to sit down with the Minister and present their submissions in person.
Please e-mail your submissions to McLeoC@parl.gc.ca or mail them postage free to Cathy McLeod, MP, 979 Victoria St., Kamloops, BC V2C 2C1. I look forward to seeing you on January 20th.