Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, and Associate Minister of Finance Mona Fortier, formally launched the 2021 federal pre-budget consultation process.
This year’s consultation process
Let’s talk Budget 2021 formally kicks off today and runs until Friday, February 19, 2021. During this time, stakeholders can upload their own pre-budget submissions or respond to the public questionnaire focused on ideas to stimulate job creation, strengthen the middle-class and grow the economy. There does not appear to be any word limit or formatting restrictions for stakeholder submissions, which can be uploaded here.
During the consultation period, both Ministers Freeland and Fortier will hold virtual roundtables with stakeholders across the country on January 26, 28 and 29. Of note, Minister Fortier and Minister Hajdu will meet with health care workers during the January 26 roundtable.
What to expect next
This government-led pre-budget consultation is separate from the cyclical parliamentary annual pre-budget process, which begins in August. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance already completed stakeholder testimony in December and is currently reviewing its final report with recommendations for the 2021 Budget.
While no budget date has been provided yet, the beginning of the pre-budget consultation process is a good indication that the federal government plans to release its 2021 Budget in late Winter/early Spring.
Clients interested in submitting a pre-budget submission should work with their Santis lead over the next few weeks to prioritize their asks, and to ensure any requirements and deadlines are met.