Newsletter - Nov. 01, 2023
Our government is committed to taking a responsible and balanced approach to fiscal management as we continue to support Canadians. During these economic times, Canadians across the country are looking within their own homes to identify savings, and the Government of Canada is no different. Since becoming President of the Treasury Board, it has been a priority of mine to ensure our fiscal house is in order while continuing our steadfast support for Canadians.
Last week in the House of Commons, I tabled the Public Accounts 2023, which includes our government's audited financial statements. This report is part of our commitment to an open, transparent government while supporting prudent fiscal management of taxpayer dollars. I was pleased to announce that the annual deficit for the fiscal year 2022-2023 was $35.3 billion compared to the projected $52.8 billion. We decreased our deficit while continuing to support Canadians through proven programs like the Canada Dental Benefit, grocery rebate, $10-a-day child care, and many other valuable investments.
An invaluable part of our government and economy are the hundreds of thousands of public service employees who work tirelessly to deliver essential services across Canada, including Oakville. As one of the leading public services in the world, we must continue to explore ways to support the safety and inclusivity of our workplace. In my recent travels to Nova Scotia and Manitoba, I had the pleasure of sitting down with public service employees to discuss diversity and inclusion and the work we are doing to eradicate all forms of racism and discrimination. On top of this, I recently announced panel experts for the new Restorative Engagement Program for public service. Through open dialogue, this program will help find ways to address workplace harassment, discrimination and violence, and drive cultural change to ensure our public service is safe and welcoming for everyone.
Our government will continue to create a public service that reflects our diverse nation, and the new Restorative Engagement Program is another step in that direction. Canadians need our government to continue to step up during challenging economic times while ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. There is more work to be done, and I can promise that we will be doing it.
Tabling of the Public Accounts of Canada 2023
Today, I tabled the Government of Canada Public Accounts 2023. We decreased the deficit by 33 percent. As we did during COVID, we will support Canadians in a fiscally responsible manner.
Sharing Results of the Federal Spending Review
“In this economic time, we must ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used most effectively, and that is exactly what we will continue to do.” Next month, we will begin to share results of the federal spending review, with the full calculations in March.
Restorative Engagement Program Panel Announcement
Canada's public service should reflect the diversity of the population it serves. Today we announced a panel of experts who will provide recommendations to our government on the design & creation of a new Restorative Engagement Program for Government of Canada employees.
Food Drive for Fare Share Food Bank:
From now until November 30th, my constituency office on 301 Robinson Street, will be hosting a food drive for Fare Share Food Bank. This local non profit supports food security for over 800 families in Oakville, and works with other non profits to grow, procure and deliver food to those in need in our communities.
The food drive will be inside my constituency office. However, during the Oakville Santa Claus Parade, we will bring the food drive to the road so that more constituents can donate non-perishable food items on the morning of November 18th.
The Page Program:
Each year, 40 students are selected from across Canada to participate in the Page Program. Pages are first-year students registered at one of the eligible post-secondary institutions in the national capital region. They work on a part-time basis for one year. In the chamber and around Parliament Hill, pages support parliamentary democracy by providing a range of services to members of Parliament. This incredible work experience broadens their knowledge of the rich traditions of the Canadian parliamentary system.
Applications for the House of Commons Paige Program close on November 8th. Find out more at House of Commons (Canada) / Chambre des communes (Canada) House of Commons Page | SmartRecruiters.