TORONTO— The Ontario government is asking the people of Ontario for their ideas on howto continue to support families, workers and business during COVID-19, whilepositioning the province for a strong economic recovery with the launch of the2021 Budget consultation.
Ministerof Finance and President of the Treasury Board, PeterBethlenfalvy, is encouraging people from all walks of life to share their insightsand opinions, online, by email or mail, or through a series of virtual consultationsacross the province.
"Allof us look forward to the day when COVID-19 is behind us and we no longer fearfor our health and economic wellbeing as a result of this virus," saidBethlenfalvy. "We continue to face many challenges, but as I speak to peoplefrom every corner of the province, one thing remains clear - the people ofOntario are resilient and their determination gives me hope. We are united bythe Ontario spirit and our collective resolve to emerge from COVID-19 is asstrong as ever. As we prepare the 2021 Budget, we are counting on the people ofOntario to come forward with their best ideas."
Thefirst virtual consultation was held today with members of the Ontario Chamberof Commerce. The discussion focused on the devastating economic impacts ofCOVID-19 and the need for a strong recovery fuelled by economic growth.
"Asthe indispensable partner of business, we are kicking off the Ontariogovernment's 2021 pre-budget consultations today with critical input from thebusiness community," said Rocco Rossi, the President and CEO of Ontario Chamberof Commerce. "There has never been a more important time for collaborationbetween industry and government on solutions to rebuild the economy. We hopethe 2021 budget will provide the critical and timely supports businesses needwhile charting a path towards safely reopening and economic recovery."
Throughoutthe global pandemic, the government's actions have been informed by unprecedentedengagement with families, workers, businesses across the province. Ontario'sAction Plan: Responding to COVID-19 outlined an initial $17 billionresponse to the first wave of the global pandemic. The fall 2020 Budget, Ontario'sAction Plan: Protect, Support, Recover, outlined a $45 billion plan toprotect and support people during the COVID-19 pandemic, while laying thegroundwork for a strong economic recovery.
Thegovernment's 2021 Budget will be informed by the priorities of the people ofOntario because people's priorities are the government's priorities. The 2021Budget will be delivered by March 31, 2021.
Visit Ontario.ca/budgetconsultation to learn how tosubmit your ideas by email, mail or by filling out a survey. The 2021 Budget Consultationswill close on February 12, 2021.