Terry Sheehan  Supplied by Sault MP Terry Sheehan…
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Today, residents of Sault Ste. Marie shared their thoughts and views with Parliamentary Secretary of Finance, François-Philippe Champagne and Member of Parliament, Terry Sheehan, on how best to deliver on an ambitious economic agenda to grow the economy and create long-term prosperity for the middle class after more than a decade of weak economic growth.
Delivering on the Liberal government’s pledge of openness and transparency, today’s roundtable is part of a nationwide consultation launched by Finance Minister Bill Morneau on January 6, 2016. Topics discussed ranged from helping families make ends meet, to supporting those who need it most, to making the right investments in infrastructure in order to create jobs, protect the environment, and keep our communities moving.
“I’m proud to welcome Parliamentary Secretary Champagne to Sault Ste. Marie,” said MP Terry Sheehan. “The people of our riding have a lot to offer when it comes to ideas for a budget that will improve the lives of Canadian families, and grow the economy. It’s great to see our government is taking advantage of that,” said Sheehan.
Participants at today’s session were given a first-hand overview of the challenges facing the economy and asked to identify opportunities that will help build more prosperous communities, and ensure long-term, sustainable economic growth. Participants were also presented with a summary of the government’s plans to create jobs, invest in infrastructure, and support middle class families, as well as those working hard to join the middle class, while ensuring a return to balanced budgets by the end of its mandate.
“Our Government is committed to strengthening the middle class, making smart investments in infrastructure, and helping the most vulnerable members of our society in order to grow our economy together. But we know we don’t have all the answers. That’s why we traveled to Sault Ste. Marie to hear key community leaders and are pleased with the breadth and depth of our discussions,” said Mr. Champagne.
Input received will be sent to Minister Morneau, who, in turn, will work with all Members of Parliament to implement an ambitious economic agenda that reflects the kind of real change Canadians have asked their government to deliver.
This session is just one of the ways the Government of Canada is consulting ahead of Budget 2016. These consultations ensure all Canadians have a chance to be at the table when decisions are made about our collective future. Reach us online at [www.fin.gc.ca] or on Twitter, using the hashtag #PBC16.