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Have some thoughts on the Ontario budget?

Here's how to submit them
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NEWS RELEASE

LIZ SANDALS, MPP

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For the third year in a row, Ontario is launching Budget Talks, an online consultation tool that encourages the public to help shape policies and programs that will be part of Ontario's future.

The government will provide $3 million to fund up to eight proposals as part of the 2017 Budget, making Ontario the first province to commit to funding ideas from the public as part of its budget process.

Through ontario.ca/budgettalks, people can propose ideas to strengthen their communities or improve government services.

To be eligible, proposals must: 

  • Be submitted by midnight on December 11, 2016
  • Be for a pilot project, study, event or digital service
  • Be within the scope of the Ontario government to deliver
  • Help support one of the eight focus areas outlined on Budget Talks
  • Require a one-time investment of no more than $1 million
  • Be finished or show progress by spring 2018

People can also share their general feedback to help inform the Budget by: 

  • Calling the Ministry of Finance at 1-866-989-9002 to take part in an in-person consultation or virtual town hall
  • Emailing ideas to [email protected]
  • Mailing in ideas
  • Faxing in ideas to 416-325-0969

Engaging the people of Ontario in the budget process is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

QUOTES

“The Ontario Budget affects everybody. That’s why it’s important for the government to hear from the people across the province, to discuss their priorities and understand what investments they want to see in their communities. Budget Talks provides an opportunity for more people to share their ideas on how we can help make everyday life easier. I look forward to engaging in constructive consultations across Ontario. Together we will keep building a province where everyone can reach their full potential.”

— Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance 

“Ontario is making it easier for people to engage in meaningful discussions and have their say on how to grow the economy, create jobs and plan for our future. Budget Talks will be an important tool to engage people and make sure that the 2017 Budget reflects priorities that will make a difference in people’s everyday lives.”

— Yvan Baker, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance 

QUICK FACTS

  • Ideas submitted on Budget Talks by December 11, 2016 may be eligible for public voting and funding. The Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities will help create a short list of the ideas submitted for public voting.
  • General submissions sent via mail, email or fax to the Ministry of Finance are due by January 31, 2017.
  • In 2016, Ontarians shared 1,732 ideas, cast 53,402 votes and wrote 4,540 comments during the process.
  • Through the 2016 Budget Talks, Ontarians suggested replacing traditional lighting with energy-saving LED lights on provincial highway corridors. As a result, the government launched a mast lighting pilot project, starting at Renforth Drive and running west along Highway 401 for 1.1 kilometres. 
  • This year’s pre-budget consultations will take place in cities across Ontario, including Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Mississauga, Hamilton, London and Windsor.
     

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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