Sign up for pre-budget consultations in Victoria by July 31st

Victoria gets its say on Budget 2008!

Dear Friends,

Last year’s federal budget was a deep disappointment – it neglected all of our community’s key priorities.

This year we will be heard around the pre-budget table! The federal finance committee will visit Victoria this coming October 4th for its annual pre-budget consultation.

Community groups and concerned citizens of all kinds are invited to apply to appear before the committee. We have just learned that July 31st is the deadline to apply, and August 15th is the deadline for written submissions. I have asked the Chair of the Finance Committee to extend that deadline. I will post the response on my website.

This year’s theme is “The tax system the country needs for a prosperous future.” More tax cuts and breaks for corporations and the well-off are already rumoured against a backdrop of reduced public services and programming. Together, we can make sure that the priorities of our community are understood loud and clear.

NOTE: The committee will accept ONLY submissions that are related to the theme of the tax system. Be sure to frame your issues, content and proposals in those terms. Contact my office if you wish any additional guidance.

TO APPEAR AT THE HEARINGS:

By July 31st or as soon as possible, contact Elizabeth Kingston, Clerk of the Standing Committee on Finance, (613) 992-9753 or e-mail: fina@parl.gc.ca.

Provide your group’s name and presenter, address, phone and e-mail contact information and preferred city of presentation (Victoria). Submissions should be no more than 5 pages in length and include a one-page summary prioritizing your proposals.