Ontario seeks residents’ input into 2017 Budget

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By Femi Shodunke

CANADA: FOR the third year in a row, Ontario is launching Budget Talks, an online consultation tool that allows the public to help shape policies and programs that will be part of Ontario’s future.

The government will provide $3 million to fund up to eight proposals as part of the 2017 Budget, making Ontario the first province to commit to funding ideas from the public as part of its budget process.

A news release by the government explained that Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance and Yvan Baker, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance have arrived Toronto on Monday to kick off the annual pre-budget consultations, including the launch of this year’s Budget Talks.

It stated that through ontario.ca/budgettalks, people will propose ideas to strengthen their communities or improve government services.

Government, however, announced that to be eligible, proposals must be submitted by midnight on December 11, 2016; be for a pilot project, study, event or digital service; be within the scope of the Ontario government to deliver; help support one of the eight focus areas outlined on Budget Talks.

Other ideas, according to the release, are the type that require a one-time investment of no more than $1 million; be finished or show progress by spring 2018; and that people can also share their general feedback to help inform the Budget by calling the Ministry of Finance at 1-866-989-9002 to take part in an in-person consultation or virtual town hall, email to submissions@ontario.ca or faxing their ideas to 416-325-0969

Engaging the people of Ontario in the budget process is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives, the release emphasised.