Close X
Sunday, December 15, 2024
ADVT 
National

Experts, Lobbyists Begin Pre-budget Testimony Before Finance Committee

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Feb, 2016 11:06 AM
    OTTAWA — A four-day blitz of advice from lobbyists and experts on the upcoming federal budget begins today before a parliamentary committee.
     
    But the struggling economy is expected to take centre stage as the Liberal government prepares its first budget, which is expected late next month.
     
    Stubbornly low commodity prices are expected to carve billions from the government's bottom line, putting significant pressure on Ottawa as it listens to pre-budget requests from some 90 interest groups.
     
    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently acknowledged the 2016-17 deficit would exceed his promised cap of $10 billion.
     
    Trudeau has also cast doubt on the government's election vow to balance the books in four years.
     
    Conservative finance critic Lisa Raitt is raising doubts about the wisdom of letting the deficit grow in such a fragile economy.
     
    Members of the House of Commons finance committee have noted the compressed consultation process won't be as complete as in past years due to the brief window before the budget. But several have said it will at least put the recommendations on the public record.
     
    Finance Minister Bill Morneau won't appear before the committee Thursday as planned, but will instead deliver a pre-budget presentation next Tuesday, said Liberal committee chair Wayne Easter.
     
    The format is designed to leave enough time for officials to write and translate a report on the hearings before the budget's release.
     
    The committee usually hears from experts and lobby groups in the months leading up to the budget.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Funerals Being Held Today For Six Quebecers Killed In Burkina Faso Attacks

    Funerals Being Held Today For Six Quebecers Killed In Burkina Faso Attacks
    QUEBEC — Funeral services are being held today for the six Quebecers killed in a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso last month.

    Funerals Being Held Today For Six Quebecers Killed In Burkina Faso Attacks

    3 People Dead, 15 Others Being Treated For Various Injuries After Toronto Fire

    3 People Dead, 15 Others Being Treated For Various Injuries After Toronto Fire
    A fire spokesman says some of the seniors were brought down ladders because the hallways were too full of smoke.

    3 People Dead, 15 Others Being Treated For Various Injuries After Toronto Fire

    Plan For Better B.C. Ambulance Service Seeks Shorter Dispatch, Turn-Around Times

    Plan For Better B.C. Ambulance Service Seeks Shorter Dispatch, Turn-Around Times
    VANCOUVER — The agency that oversees British Columbia's paramedics and ambulance system has created a plan it hopes will better serve the province's growing — and aging — population.

    Plan For Better B.C. Ambulance Service Seeks Shorter Dispatch, Turn-Around Times

    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Donates His Sketch To Museum Fundraiser

    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Donates His Sketch To Museum Fundraiser
    Trudeau drew the image of the Canadian Museum For Human Rights after visiting the Winnipeg building last spring.

    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Donates His Sketch To Museum Fundraiser

    Make it a Fun and Adventurous Family Day!

    Make it a Fun and Adventurous Family Day!

    There’s lots going around this Family Day. From special offers to exciting events, here&rsq...

    Make it a Fun and Adventurous Family Day!

    Christy Clark Meets Justin Trudeau, Says B.C.'s Economic Engine Needs Cash From Ottawa

    Christy Clark Meets Justin Trudeau, Says B.C.'s Economic Engine Needs Cash From Ottawa
    Clark says Ottawa should also put cash into the George Massey tunnel replacement project on the southern edge of Vancouver because the route moves billions of dollars of goods across Canada and into overseas markets

    Christy Clark Meets Justin Trudeau, Says B.C.'s Economic Engine Needs Cash From Ottawa