It's not too late for each and every constituent of Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry to have direct input into the upcoming budget.

PHOTO CREDIT - GuyLauzon.ca

Cornwall - Jan. 10, 2012 - It's not too late for each and every constituent of Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry to have direct input into the upcoming budget. Before Christmas I asked you to send suggestions or ideas you would like to see incorporated into the 2012 Budget.

I am pleased and most grateful for the many who took the time to call, write or send an email with your ideas. We have compiled all of your submissions and they are currently with the Minister of Finance along with thousands of others from across the country for consideration.

Finance Minister Flaherty is a huge believer in consultation. He regularly meets with 40 economic leaders from across the country for input and guidance on Canada's economy. He seeks input and ideas from the opposition parties before striking a budget. He also meets with MP’s in small groups looking for suggestions to be included in the upcoming budget.

Minister of State for Finance, Ted Menzies, travels the country virtually nonstop consulting businesses, large and small, on what ideas our government should incorporate into the budget to help them grow and create additional jobs. Shelly Glover, the Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Flaherty consults with other stakeholders like charities, unions and various associations seeking their input.

All of these consultations are very important to the budget process. The whole idea of a budget is to draft a plan that will serve the average Canadian and improve their standard of living. Drafting a budget is a huge task. It takes months and months of hard work by bureaucrats and politicians alike. It also should include input from the general public.

It is designed for them so it is critical every Canadian has their say on what should be included in a budget.

And this is your chance to contribute to the process. Finance Minister Flaherty has asked his fellow MP’s to reach out to their constituents for suggestions. Some of the best suggestions incorporated in past budgets have come from ordinary folk just like you and I.

If you have any suggestions you feel will help the country continue on its economy recovery, create jobs or improve the Canadian quality of life, it is not too late to have it included in Budget 2012. Ideas on how the government can cut costs and save taxpayer's money are also welcome. Please send your suggestions to, guy.lauzon@parl.gc.ca or by mail to 449-D, Centre Block, House of Commons, Ottawa ON K1A 0A6, before January 20. I cannot guarantee your idea will be included in the spring budget but I can guarantee it will be considered.

Guy Lauzon
Member of Parliament
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry