KAMLOOPS - Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, is soliciting input from anyone in her riding who would like to participate in the online federal pre-budget consultation process, which will result in a report to be tabled in the House of Commons prior to the December 2012 parliamentary break.
"This year, in order to make it easier for Canadians to participate in the pre-budget consultations, the Standing Committee on Finance is happy to introduce the online submission of answers to specific questions on which the Committee is focussed," said McLeod.
The site at which Canadians can contribute their ideas online will be open until Aug. 3. Individuals and groups are invited to access the secure online questionnaire, to which responses can be made only once per individual or group, at: www.parl.gc.ca/PBC2012. Those who lack access to the Internet and are thereby unable to contribute online should contact the Clerk of the House Finance Committee at the address or telephone number indicated below for assistance in determining another means by which to provide their thoughts and ideas.
Pre-budget consultation submissions will be put on the committee's website after they have been translated. Following translation, the submissions will be circulated to all members of the House Finance Committee, who will then identify those whom they would like to invite to make an oral presentation. Hearings are expected to begin in September 2012.
"Canadians in my riding and across our nation can be counted on to contribute their priorities that should be included in the federal budget in 2013. I'm always impressed by the wide range of ideas that are brought to the table," said McLeod.