In preparation for January’s budget, the federal government kicked off national consultations this week that will include both online commentary from the general public and roundtable discussions with various stakeholders.

Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said he is seeking views from Canadians on stimulus measures that would best help Canada “weather the economic storm.”

“It’s quite clear that Canada will continue to feel the effects of the global economic downturn,” said Flaherty in a statement. “Our government is developing our next budget to respond to this downturn. It will build on the progress we’ve made to keep our economy among the strongest in the industrialized world, and bring forward the measures we need to stimulate economic activity here in Canada, while avoiding a return to long-term structural deficits.”

Specifically, the government is seeking feedback on five main proposals for economic stimulus: investing in housing, expediting infrastructure spending, building strong and sustainable labour markets and training incentives, supporting traditional and emerging industrial sectors and improving access to credit.

The consultation Web site asks Canadians to rank these five proposals according to the priority each should have within the government’s plan, along with any other ideas for stimulus measures. It also asks what steps the government should take “to ensure that the Canadian economy remains internationally competitive and continues to attract investment and creates jobs.”

Flaherty added that the government is open to “innovative new ideas” as part of the economic recovery plan.

But the government identifies four criteria that any stimulus measures must meet: timely, maximum impact, flexible in size and duration, and consistent with Canada’s long-term economic goals.

The government will host roundtable discussions with invited stakeholders in Saint John, N.B., Saskatoon, Sask., Montréal, Que. Thornhill, Ont. and Victoria, B.C.

Flaherty is also set to meet with the provincial and territorial finance ministers on Dec. 17 in Saskatoon to discuss January’s budget.

IE