CHAIRMAN'S FOREWORD

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Keeping the Balance is the result of a continuing conversation with Canadians.

This fall, as part of its annual pre-budget consultation, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance traveled from coast to coast to meet with Canadians and engage them in a national dialogue about building a strong economy and a strong society.

We asked fellow citizens about their values and priorities, and how the federal budget should reflect them. People everywhere accepted this challenge with enthusiasm and a determination to make a difference. They approached this consultation with an understanding that economic growth and fiscal success are not ends in themselves, but rather a means to improving the quality of life of all Canadians.

This national conversation was both rewarding and enlightening. Not only did we come away with a sense of what individual Canadians want in the next budget, we also learned a great deal about the new outlook that is shared by many Canadians. It is one that is filled with hope and optimism and faith in their ability to shape the future. The people the Committee met with told us that change is not something we Canadians fear, it is something we embrace. Just as importantly, we were told that Canadians are people who believe in sharing the risks and benefits of our common citizenship.

Through our meetings, it became clear that the challenges of the '80s and '90s have made us a more confident people. This was made possible because of our character, which allowed us to adapt to change and triumph in the face of adversity. As proof of this, let us remember that Canadians did not just adapt to the challenges of globalization, we excelled in the new environment.

The same is true of fiscal restraint. We responded in ways that were never thought possible five years ago. This enhanced confidence in our prospects and our abilities will prove to be a truly valuable asset as we face new challenges in the future. For not only do we as Canadians believe tomorrow will be better than today, we also have the capacity to ensure it is so.

Our conversation with Canadians has allowed us to answer the question of what our approach should be to the challenges of this new era. To put it simply: Canadians want balance. Not just a balanced budget, but balance in government policy: in its goals and in its results.

Canadians want a balance between the security offered by debt reduction and the benefits of investing in people, technology and research and development. Canadians firmly believe that health care, education and pensions are not just line items on a budget sheet, but rather an expression of our core values. Canadians want to leave future generations a legacy of expanding opportunities rather than one of high taxes and an escalating debt.

This year the Committee held hearings from Vancouver to St. John's. In addition to these and a series of roundtables in Ottawa, we benefited from the many townhall meetings organized by Members of Parliament. The views and recommendations arising from these meetings were communicated to the Committee and broadened the range of input for our consultation. As a result, this year's effort is the most extensive pre-budget consultations to date.

Canadians have demanded accountability from the government as well as responsibility from themselves. In Keeping the Balance, we have tried to respond with the substance our fellow citizens demand, as well as a budget plan they deserve.

I would like to express my appreciation to the many people who came forward to take part in this important dialogue. I would like to thank the witnesses who participated in the pre-budget roundtables, as well as the organizations and individuals who submitted written briefs and attended townhall meetings.

I am also grateful to my fellow Committee members for their sincere commitment to public dialogue. The viewpoints expressed, provided us all with the opportunity to debate and analyze issues from different perspectives. Their dedication to the work of the Committee was truly outstanding and a testament to their deep belief in the effectiveness of the parliamentary process.

The Committee members and I wish to thank those who have worked with us to make these pre-budget consultations a success. We extend special thanks to our Committee Clerk, Carol Chafe, and Eric Janse for their hard work. We also thank Lise Tierney, Manon Auger, the interpreters, sound technicians and other members of the House of Commons staff.

Thanks also go out to Marion Wrobel and Richard Domingue from the Research Branch, for their professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile, and to Joseph Mayer for his editorial expertise. Finally, I wish to thank my Legislative Assistant, Heather Simpson, for her dedication and commitment to this important endeavour.

Maurizio Bevilacqua
Chairman