Monday, February 08, 2016
Ministry of Finance
Province Receieves Extensive Public Input to Help Develop the 2016 Ontario Budget
Public Consultations Across Ontario Reveal Priorities: Growing the Economy, Creating Jobs, Education, Health Care and Infrastructure
The province has received thousands of ideas from Ontarians throughout the province for the 2016 Ontario Budget after nine weeks of engaging with the public in-person, online, in writing and via telephone.
Submissions represent a wide range of areas, with top themes including growing Ontario's economy and creating jobs, as well as investments in education, health care, transportation and infrastructure.
All information submitted is helping to guide the decision-making process for the 2016 Budget.
Online consultations (Budget Talks)
For the second year in a row, the province provided Budget Talks, an online consultation tool that makes it easier for the public to help shape policies and programs that will be part of Ontario's future. Participation in Budget Talks doubled from last year, with:
- 1,732 ideas submitted (1,713 in English, 19 in French)
- 53,137 votes
- 4,328 comments
- Over 6,500 people registering as users
In-person consultations
In total, there were 20 in-person pre-budget consultations in 13 cities that heard from over 700 people:
- Finance Minister Charles Sousa, Associate Minister Mitzie Hunter and MPP and Parliamentary Assistant Laura Albanese hosted in-person presentations by mayors, associations, chambers of commerce and the people of Ontario.
- The all-party Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs heard presentations that included more than 185 attendees in total and received submissions from people across the province. All of the written submissions presented to the committee have been submitted for review and consideration.
Written submissions
In addition to those submitted through Budget Talks, the province received 489 submissions through email, mail and fax.
Telephone town halls
The government also conducted two telephone town halls, reaching more than 52,000 Ontarians.
Engaging Ontarians is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- This year’s pre-budget consultations were held in municipalities across Ontario, including Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Mississauga, Hamilton, London, Kingston, Kitchener, Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, Toronto, Whitby, Windsor and York Region. In total, there were 20 consultations in 13 locations, with over 700 attendees.
- On February 2, 2015 Minister Sousa attended the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs to hear its ideas and input to help shape the 2016 Budget.
- This is part of Ontario’s Open Government commitment to create a more transparent, accessible and collaborative government for the people of Ontario.
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2016 pre-budget consultations, whether it was in-person, online, through a telephone town hall or in writing. I’d also like to thank my colleagues from all parties for their hard work and for sharing with me what they heard in their consultations. The insights from people throughout the province reflect local priorities which will inform our plan and help position Ontario for greater prosperity."
— Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance
Media Contacts:
Kelsey Ingram
Minister’s Office
416-326-1409
kelsey.ingram@ontario.ca
Scott Blodgett
Ministry of Finance
416-325-0324
scott.blodgett@ontario.ca
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