Québec City, December 11, 2009
2009-114

Government of Canada Launches Consultations on the Second Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today launched national consultations in Québec City to give Canadians the opportunity to voice their views on how to best lead Canada to full economic recovery as the Government prepares its 2010 budget – the second phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan. Consultations in other cities will be announced later in December and January.

"While we have seen some signs of recovery, work remains to overcome the effects of the global economic crisis," said Minister Flaherty. "In preparing next year's budget, we will stay the course and continue to implement our Economic Action Plan into early 2011, as we announced last January."

"We would like to hear from Canadians on how best to implement the remaining stimulus measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan and to keep on track toward a stronger economic future."

As part of its efforts to listen to a wide variety of opinions, the Government will also conduct online consultations, which begin today.

The Government will be seeking responses from Canadians on a number of questions, including:

• To what extent has Canada's Economic Action Plan been effective in stimulating activity in their industry, sector or community?
• What suggestions do they have for improving the effectiveness of the Government's stimulus measures or the speed of their delivery?
• What steps should the Government take to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian economy and ensure that Canada continues to attract investment and create jobs once the recovery is achieved and the Economic Action Plan is wound down?
• Over what time period should the Government bring the budget back into balance?

The Government is asking Canadians for their views on these issues as well as any other ideas they care to submit. This consultation is now closed.

"It is important that we hear the views of all Canadians on how to build on the actions our Government has already taken to help Canada's economy recover," said Minister Flaherty.

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For further information, media may contact:

Annette Robertson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861

Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080

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