The federal government launched online consultations to give Canadians the opportunity to provide their views on restoring fiscal balance on Tuesday.

“Our plan is to build a stronger economy by ensuring that governments have the resources and clarity they need to deliver the services Canadians want. We want to ensure that people from every corner of the country have the opportunity to provide their thoughts on how we should proceed,” said Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. “These consultations, together with the work we are doing with the provinces and territories, will help shape the proposals we intend to bring forward.”

The government’s approach to addressing fiscal balance is based on five principles:

-Accountability through clarity of roles and responsibilities;
-Fiscal responsibility and budget transparency;
-Predictable, long-term fiscal arrangements;
-A competitive and efficient economic union; and
-Effective collaborative management of the federation.

The government is seeking views and advice on how these key principles should be applied to help restore fiscal balance. “In Budget 2006 Canada’s new government made a commitment to consult Canadians on this important issue, and today we are delivering on that commitment,” added Flaherty.

In addition to these Web-based public consultations, the government is seeking the views of provincial and territorial governments, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, academics and experts in the field.

The online consultations page, which includes a message from the minister and background information, can be found on the Department of Finance Web site.

Submissions will be accepted until the close of consultations on Sept. 8, and can be made by e-mail at balance-equilibre@fin.gc.ca, by fax at 613-947-6476, or by regular mail at:

Federal-Provincial Relations and Social Policy Branch
Consultations on Restoring Fiscal Balance in Canada

Department of Finance

140 O’Connor Street
15th Floor, East Tower

L’Esplanade Laurier

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0G5