Dear Constituents
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has asked for input from members of parliament for the budget he is preparing to table January 27 and I would like to ensure that Victoria’s voice is heard and well represented. I intend to hold a public pre-budget consultation meeting January 8 at 6:30 p.m. (Please call my office or check my website for the location which is still being arranged.)
I have invited University of Victoria economist Dr. Merwan Engineer and social policy analyst Dr. Michael Prince to briefly share their thoughts about the global economic crisis. But it will primarily be an opportunity for my constituents to make submissions or ask questions of me or the panellists. I also invite those of you who cannot attend to forward to me your thoughts on the budget and/or the kind of stimulus package you would like to see the Government include.
In addition to your recommendations, below is a list of issues that have come up frequently in Victoria in the past few years. I have included them for your comments with some questions I believe are important to consider.
To being with, do you agree that the top priority for the government’s budget should be an economic stimulus package that includes measures to address such things as:
1 Infrastructure Investments - Many have said that new, urgent investment in infrastructure is crucial to allow communities to address employment and the environment? Do you agree?
How do we ensure these investments will make Canada more competitive and greener as we emerge from the recession?
Do you agree that infrastructure investments should include a made-in-Canada procurement policy for the federal government?
Given that a key to Canada’s competitiveness is a well-educated, well-trained workforce, should investments in social infrastructure (e.g. training, post-secondary education) be included in the stimulus measures?
2 Housing - How high a priority should it be for the federal government to make dedicated infrastructure investments in a comprehensive housing program? Would you agree with expanding the mandate of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to help kick-start the housing market? Do you have other suggestions to address the shortage of affordable rental housing in Victoria?
3 Childcare - A recent UNICEF study has ranked Canada last in a list of the world’s 25 most affluent countries on how it cares for its youngest children. It recommends a coordinated national early learning and childcare program in Canada. Do you agree this is important?
4 Public transit - Do you agree that transportation must become a higher priority for the federal government? My colleagues and I have argued for permanent and stable investments in public transit through dedicating one cent of the existing gas tax to transit. Would you support this measure? Are there other measures you want to suggest to help encourage greater use of public transit?
5 Reform of the Employment Insurance system – Do you have suggestions for how we can ensure the EI system responds to the demand for training and is adequate for dealing with the hundreds of thousands of workers losing their jobs as a result of the recession?
6 Home energy retrofits - I have been advocating for a program to expand energy efficiency retrofits for Canada’s stock of houses and other buildings for a number of years, an initiative that would help create new jobs while also addressing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Do you agree that we need a much more ambitious energy retrofit program than what has been committed to so far?
7 Measures to help small businesses – What should be included in a stimulus package to help small business weather this difficult economic downturn?
Groups may wish to send briefs directly to the Minister of Finance. I would very much appreciate receiving copies of these. It would help me to better represent the diversity of interests in Victoria.
I would also appreciate it if you could pass this invitation along to your members as submissions from individuals are also being sought.
Sincerely,
Denise Savoie
250-363-3600
You may email me at until this Friday, Dec. 19. My office will be closed from Dec. 22, reopening Jan. 6, however staff will be able to respond to email beginning Jan. 2.