From Queen’s Park by Sylvia Jones MPP — Pre-budget consultations deadline is Jan. 30

January 14, 2015 · 0 Comments

Every year, in the run-up to the provincial budget, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (SCOFEA) conducts public pre-budget consultations across Ontario.
The point of these consultations is to give the public an opportunity to present the issues they believe should be addressed in the upcoming budget. The committee will travel to seven locations across the province for eight days, to listen to a wide range of individuals and organizations on what priorities the provincial government should be addressing.
This is a great opportunity to for individuals to voice their opinions, concerns or recommendations on what should be included in the upcoming 2015 provincial budget. This is important because after the committee has completed the scheduled public hearings, a report is drafted that may provide a list of recommendations based on the public consultations.
Once the report is finalized, it will be sent to the Minister of Finance for consideration for the budget. This report may also include a summary of the recommendations, opinions or concerns heard by the committee during the public consultation process.
While some presentations are made in person to the committee, many more are written submissions that are sent to the committee. Written submissions are just as viable for consideration as those done in person.
I encourage anyone interested to submit their concerns, opinions or recommendations to the committee. This is an opportune time for public participation as everyone has a vested interested in what should be included in the upcoming provincial budget.
The deadline for written submissions is Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. If you have any further questions about the pre-budget consultations, or would like to make a submission, please contact the Clerk of the committee Katch Koch at 416-325-3526 or by email at kkoch@ola.org.
Please be sure to CC my office on your email at sylvia.jonesco@pc.ola.org so I can be sure the Clerk receives your submission.