October 03, 2006

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance is currently holding its annual round of consultations in preparation for the next federal budget. The Committee will be in Fort McMurray the morning of October 4th, to hold public hearings at the Stonebridge Hotel. The Committee is also visiting eight other locations across Canada, namely Whitehorse, Vancouver, Saskatoon, Portage la Prairie, St. John’s, Halifax, Quebec City and Toronto.

“The participation of Canadians is an essential part of the pre-budget consultation process. I am thrilled and very proud that the Finance Committee has chosen Fort McMurray as one of the nine locations to hold public hearings. Our community has been working very hard to raise our profile and have our voice heard, and this is a clear indication that the federal government is listening,” said Mr. Jean.

These consultations culminate in a report to be tabled in the House of Commons in December. The goal of the Committee’s report is to recommend to the Minister of Finance a plan that will address the following objectives:

• ensure that Canada remains a major player in the new economy;
• provide Canadians with equal opportunity to succeed; and
• create an economic and social environment where Canadians can enjoy the best quality of life and standard of living.

In order to achieve these goals, debate must take place on a number of fronts, including the allocation of future surpluses, health care, education, taxation, debt reduction, research and development, physical and technological infrastructure and other key areas.

“If Canada is to have a meaningful place in the world of the future, it is vitally important that decisions be made to ensure that we have the sound infrastructure that is required by citizens who are seeking a high quality of life,” said Mr. Jean. “The Finance Committee has traveled all the way across Canada to invite Fort McMurray’s contribution during the planning stages of the next federal budget. This is a very important step in the right direction.”

For further information, media may contact:

Elizabeth Kingston, Clerk of the Standing Committee on Finance at (cell) 613-720-6537
Shaila Anwar, Clerk of the Standing Committee on Finance at (cell) 613-850-9023
Brian Jean, MP at 613-992-1154