Canadians invited to share their priorities for the 2013 federal budget

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance has launched its annual pre-budget consultation process, which will result in a report to be tabled in the House of Commons prior to the December 2012 parliamentary break.

"I am very pleased to be announcing the pre-budget consultations for this year," said MP James Rajotte, Chair of the House Finance Committee. "Last year, for the first time, the briefs submitted by those contributing to the consultations were translated and put on the Committee's website. This year, we are happy to introduce another innovation to the consultation process: online submission of answers to specific questions on which the Committee is focussed at this time."

Parkdale-High Park MP and Finance Committee Vice-Chair Peggy Nash encouraged Canadians to contribute their views on the priorities that should be reflected in the federal budget in 2013. "Last year, I was very impressed by the wide range of ideas that were brought to our attention during the pre-budget consultation process," said Nash. "This year we want to follow that experience and to hear from Canadians from coast to coast to coast on what matters to them and where they want our country to be headed."

LEARN MORE

The website at which Canadians can contribute their ideas has opened online and will remain open until August 3, 2012. Individuals and groups are invited to access the secure online questionnaire. Responses can be made once per individual or group, at www.parl.gc.ca/PBC2012.

Those who lack access to the internet and are unable to contribute online should contact the Clerk of the House Finance Committee by calling 613-992-9753 for assistance in finding other ways to provide their thoughts and ideas.

Pre-budget consultation submissions will be posted on the Committee's website once they have been translated. This year's pre-budget consultation hearings are expected to begin in September 2012.