Finance Minister Jim Flaherty always seeks input from a vast variety of sources before drafting a budget document. He consults with economists, business men and women, union executives, industry leaders, government officials, tax experts, and most importantly ordinary Canadians like you and I.

PHOTO CREDIT - GuyLauzon.ca

Cornwall - Nov. 28, 2011 - Finance Minister Jim Flaherty always seeks input from a vast variety of sources before drafting a budget document. He consults with economists, business men and women, union executives, industry leaders, government officials, tax experts, and most importantly ordinary Canadians like you and I. Minister Flaherty is a big believer in a grass roots approach to budget consultation.

Some of the best suggestions contained in past budgets came directly from Members of Parliament soliciting ideas from their constituents. A perfect example is the Home Renovation Tax Credit Program contained in one of our previous budgets. It was hugely popular and assisted hundreds of thousands of home owners, including yours truly, in upgrading their homes.

The Budget consultation process has started in preparation for the 2012 Budget and Minister Flaherty has once again asked all MPs to consult their constituents for ideas. He has asked us to solicit answers and comments to the following questions:

1. Are there measures in the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan that should be revised to better promote job creation and economic growth?

2. Should any be extended?

3. Are there areas where funding should be shifted to meet changing priorities?

4. In what areas should we look for more efficient and effective spending?

5. How can we better respect taxpayer dollars by ensuring they are not wasted on duplication, inefficient operating expenses, or programs that have outlived their usefulness.

This is your chance to have direct input into Canada's next federal budget. Please submit your answers to the questions above, or if you have other ideas please forwarded them to me by regular mail or by email. I will be compiling all of your responses and forwarding them to Minister Flaherty. I cannot guarantee your suggestion will be in the 2012 Budget, but I can assure it will be considered by the Finance Minister's office.

Guy Lauzon
Member of Parliament
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry