The Committee travelled across Canada and heard from individuals and groups representing all regions and sectors of our society. They sent a strong message about the nation’s budgetary priorities. There is no question that they strongly endorse spending for a national security package to deal effectively with concerns that affect our individual and collective safety, in addition to our economic well-being. We also heard a loud and clear message that the federal government must not return to a deficit position. Canadians also demanded that the government honour its commitments to the $100 billion tax reduction plan and the $23 billion in transfers to the provinces for health care. As in the past, participants endorsed the Committee’s pro-growth strategy and investments in research and development. We have heard and interpreted their message and responded with recommendations that we believe effectively address their needs and concerns.

Canadians eagerly anticipated this round of consultations. They do not take the health of the economy for granted and in that context they wanted to tell us their priorities. They prepared their briefs during the summer as per the Committee’s instructions, setting out their prescriptions for sound public policy.

Then came September 11. That this event changed our world is evident by looking at the economic consequences of the day and the days following, by witnessing the single-minded determination of the Canadian Parliament and by monitoring the media’s focus of attention. The world had become riveted upon the events of that day and their aftermath.

This focus is perfectly legitimate and understandable. We must support initiatives undertaken to have justice done and to protect against further dangers. Moreover, these security threats also imperil our trade flows which are vital to our economic well-being. Investments must be made to deal with these important economic concerns, specifically as they relate to the Canada-United States border.

The ultimate goal of these consultations is to present a plan to help improve the standard of living and quality of life of Canadians, to deal with immediate concerns but also to ensure that conditions are set for future prosperity for this generation and future generations. Security is the immediate priority. We undertake this to help secure all of the other initiatives that bring future prosperity. Security has become a pre-condition for economic growth. It is a form of social capital that enables growth-oriented public policy to be effective. These policies include the attainment of a competitive tax system, with the $100 billion tax reduction plan and tax reform at its core. Growth also requires that the basic fundamentals of economic policy remain sound, that the government demonstrate fiscal leadership by avoiding deficits and by continuing to pursue debt reduction. Securing the social infrastructure of Canada through adequate funding and appropriate transparency and accountability mechanisms is also an important component, as is a commitment to making Canada an innovation and productivity driven economy.

Canadians have the ability to determine the type of society and economy they want. This is the ultimate definition of sovereignty. But to do so we must be prepared to face the reality of the challenges and choices confronting our economy and society.

Ultimately, we want to make sure that:

• Canada remains a major player in the global economy,
• All Canadians have an equal opportunity to succeed, and
• We create a socio-economic environment where Canadians can enjoy the best quality of life and standard of living.

As Chairman of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, I would like to thank the many witnesses who took time to prepare briefs and appear before the Committee. The quality of their presentations reflects the seriousness with which they take this exercise.

At the same time, I would like to thank the Members of the Committee for their continued dedication to the Pre-Budget Consultations process.

Finally I would like to thank the staff of the Committee. It is only because of their work that this report could come to be. From Committees and Legislative Services, I would like to thank Marc Toupin and Mike MacPherson, clerks of the Committee. Manon Auger, Madeleine Bédard and Michel Quevillon should also be thanked as should the interpreters, sound technicians, and other House of Commons staff.

I would also like to thank the research staff provided by the Parliamentary Research Branch, Blayne Haggart and Marc-André Pigeon, assisted by Alexandre Laurin, Nathalie Pothier and Kristian Reid. A very special thanks to Marion G. Wrobel for his many years of exceptional contribution to the work of the Finance Committee and his outstanding service to Parliament. He is greatly appreciated and admired by all Members. As Mr. Wrobel leaves his post as Director of Research for the Committee to go to the private sector, we wish him the very best in all of his future endeavours.

Carole Fournier and Rocchina Petrozzi kept my offices running smoothly during this busy process through their tireless efforts. For this I am extremely grateful.

CARPE DIEM

Maurizio Bevilacqua, M.P