Ontario Launches 2021 Budget Consultations
Government looking for ideas to position the province for a strong economic recovery after COVID-19
The Voice of Canada News-TORONTO — The Ontario government is asking the people of Ontario for their ideas on how to continue to support families, workers and business during COVID-19, while positioning the province for a strong economic recovery with the launch of the 2021 Budget consultation.
Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board, Peter Bethlenfalvy, is encouraging people from all walks of life to share their insights and opinions, online, by email or mail, or through a series of virtual consultations across the province.
“All of us look forward to the day when COVID-19 is behind us and we no longer fear for our health and economic wellbeing as a result of this virus,” said Bethlenfalvy. “We continue to face many challenges, but as I speak to people from every corner of the province, one thing remains clear – the people of Ontario are resilient and their determination gives me hope. We are united by the Ontario spirit and our collective resolve to emerge from COVID-19 is as strong as ever. As we prepare the 2021 Budget, we are counting on the people of Ontario to come forward with their best ideas.”
The first virtual consultation was held today with members of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. The discussion focused on the devastating economic impacts of COVID-19 and the need for a strong recovery fuelled by economic growth.
“As the indispensable partner of business, we are kicking off the Ontario government’s 2021 pre-budget consultations today with critical input from the business community,” said Rocco Rossi, the President and CEO of Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “There has never been a more important time for collaboration between industry and government on solutions to rebuild the economy. We hope the 2021 budget will provide the critical and timely supports businesses need while charting a path towards safely reopening and economic recovery.”
Throughout the global pandemic, the government’s actions have been informed by unprecedented engagement with families, workers, businesses across the province. Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 outlined an initial $17 billion response to the first wave of the global pandemic. The fall 2020 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover, outlined a $45 billion plan to protect and support people during the COVID-19 pandemic, while laying the groundwork for a strong economic recovery.
The government’s 2021 Budget will be informed by the priorities of the people of Ontario because people’s priorities are the government’s priorities. The 2021 Budget will be delivered by March 31, 2021.
Visit Ontario.ca/budgetconsultation to learn how to submit your ideas by email, mail or by filling out a survey. The 2021 Budget Consultations will close on February 12, 2021.
QUICK FACTS
- People can participate in this year’s budget consultations by:
- Sharing ideas online by participating in the online survey
- Emailing submissions to submissions@ontario.ca
- Mailing submissions to the Minister of Finance
- Attending a virtual consultation session
The government’s plans are driven by input from people and organizations. In April 2020, the government formed the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee (OJRC) to stimulate economic growth and job creation after the COVID-19 pandemic. The OJRC conducted over 100 consultations with more than 750 people and received almost 4,500 online submissions. Through the fall 2020 Budget consultations, the government received 522 submissions and over 1,150 survey responses. More than 400 people attended 13 consultations (two in-person sessions and 11 virtual sessions).
