Letter to the Editor

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Dear Editor:

As the global economy continues to recover from the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression, Canada has emerged in one of the best economic positions in the industrialized world with the help of our government’s Economic Action Plan.

Indeed, Canada’s economy has now grown for seven straight quarters and more than 500,000 net new jobs have been created since July, 2009 – the strongest employment growth among all G7 countries. 

As well, both the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation) expect Canada to be among the fastest growing G7 economies in both 2011 and 2012.

While that’s positive news, too many Canadians are still looking for work and the global economic recovery remains fragile, as demonstrated through sovereign debt concerns in Europe and continued muted economic growth in the United States.

That’s why we need to stay focused on what matters to Canadians – the economy and jobs.

The federal government is doing that with the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan – A Low Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth which will help protect and create jobs, secure Canada’s recovery, ensure balanced budgets and improve the well-being of Canadians over the long term.

As we move forward with the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan and prepare for Budget 2012, I personally invite you to make your voice heard.

The Parliament of Canada’s Standing Committee on Finance is asking for all Canadians to provide their input as part of the annual pre-budget consultation hearings. Businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to participate in this important process, through submissions made in person or in writing. Submissions will help inform the committee’s pre-budget recommendations, many of which have been reflected in the federal budget in years past.

However, the deadlines to participate are fast-approaching.

• July 29 is the deadline to apply to appear in-person, as this fall the committee is scheduled to visit numerous cities across Canada. If you wish to appear before the committee, please contact the Clerk of the Standing Committee on Finance (see contact information ) before July 29 and indicate three locations where you are willing to appear.

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Saturday, July 09, 2011