The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance today tabled its pre-budget report for 2006.

The report contains 43 recommendations based on the Committee’s cross-country and Ottawa-based hearings held in September and October.

The committee says the report reflects the testimony it received from more than 400 groups and individuals who made presentations related to the 2006 pre-budget theme of competitiveness.

Brian Pallister, chair of the Committee, said, “I am confident that the implementation of the recommendations contained in our report would put Canada on the path to the productivity growth and competitiveness that are needed for our future. Our recommendations cover a wide variety of areas, but are all directed toward making our people, our communities and our businesses competitive as we head into a future that is characterized by rapid technological change and the emergence of new economic powers.”

“We have made recommendations about health, education, and incentives to work and to save that will ensure our people are productive. Recommendations about Canada’s infrastructure and the environment, as well as about charitable giving, volunteerism and support for our arts and cultural sector will help to ensure competitive communities. Finally, businesses would be more competitive with the adoption of our recommendations in such areas as corporate taxation, support for R&D and innovation, regulation and international trade,” continued Pallister.

Pallister concluded, “I know that my committee colleagues join me in thanking all of the groups and individuals – coast to coast – who took the time to share with us their insights about the federal taxation, spending and other measures that should be taken as we seek to make Canada as competitive as we can, and should, be. Without their valuable insights, the Committee would, quite simply, be unable to do the work required as we seek to provide input on the priorities for the next federal budget.”

Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, thanked the committee for its work. “The Finance committee has met groups and individuals across Canada in its pre-budget consultations, and I will consider its recommendations as I prepare our next budget,” said Flaherty.

Flaherty noted that the theme of this year’s consultations, Canada’s Place in a Competitive World, is consistent with the Government’s new economic plan.