The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today said that the next federal budget will build on the Government’s pro-growth initiatives to create jobs and long-term prosperity for Canadians.
Speaking to the Toronto Board of Trade, the Minister said, “Canada has been a leader throughout the response to the global economic downturn, and our Government is committed to remaining a global example of sound economic stewardship.”
He noted that since 2006, the Harper Government has continually taken the long-term view in managing the Canadian economy, while taking prudent action to address short-term risks.
“We have acted consistently to help create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians,” said Minister Flaherty. “Throughout the uncertainty in the global economy, we have seen Canada’s Economic Action Plan deliver real and tangible results for Canadians.”
That plan has led to Canada having the strongest job growth among Group of Seven (G-7) countries over the recovery and the expectation that we will be among the strongest-growing economies in the G-7 over this year and next. In addition, leading credit rating agencies have reaffirmed their top ratings for the Government of Canada, and it is expected that the Government will maintain its AAA rating in the year ahead.
The Government will be seeking views from Canadians as it prepares for Budget 2013 by holding consultations across the country and on the Department of Finance website.
“We want to hear from Canadians on how we can best realize Canada’s economic priorities,” said Minister Flaherty. “We want to hear your views on how we can continue to create jobs and growth, while keeping taxes low and achieve our Government’s objective to balance the budget before the end of this Parliament.”