Newsletter - mar. 06, 2024
At the Treasury Board, we are focused on building a financial plan that responsibly manages your taxpayer dollars, and holds federal departments to account through transparent and clear reporting to Canadians. Last week, I tabled the Main Estimates: a detailed document presenting government spending plans for 2024 and 2025 across each organization and department.
The Main Estimates outline a total of $449.2 billion in planned budgetary spending, including $191.6 billion in proposed new spending and $257.6 billion in approved spending for 129 organizations to deliver the programs and services that Canadians rely on, like the Canada Dental Care Plan which is easing financial barriers to oral health care for up to 9 million uninsured Canadian residents.
Across communities, we have seen issues like housing, healthcare and the environment take a front seat, and as President of the Treasury Board, one of my chief responsibilities is to work with departments to refocus unnecessary spending to these front-of-mind priorities. And that's exactly what I asked my federal colleagues to do last fall as part of the Refocusing Government Spending initiative.
This initiative will reallocate a total of $15.8 billion over the next 5 years and $4.8 billion every year thereafter. Departments are tasked with refocusing spending on professional services and travel to invest in key priorities, from affordability measures and housing, to support for Ukraine. The Main Estimates also provide an update on the first phase of the Refocusing Government Spending initiative, and demonstrate that we are on track to refocus $15.8 billion over the next 5 years, and $4.8 billion every year thereafter.
We will continue to be transparent, efficient and prudent with taxpayer dollars to maintain our standing of lowest deficit and debt to GDP ratio in the G7, and to support you and your families through programs like the Canada Child Benefit, the advanced Canada Worker Benefit, OAS/GIS payments and more.
Learn more about the Main Estimates here: 2024–25 Estimates - Canada.ca.
France-Canada Chamber of Commerce:
Canada and France are not only tied culturally, but also economically. Earlier this week, I had a productive meeting with the France-Canada Chamber of Commerce to discuss cutting red tape, continuing business together, growing our economies and more!
Mois de la Francophonie:
Throughout March we celebrate la Mois de la Francophonie, also known as Francophonie Month! Our official languages are at the heart of our identity as Canadians. This month and all year round let’s celebrate our linguistic duality and celebrate la francophonie!
Visit to Punjab by Nature in Oakville:
Indian cuisine is unlike any other, and Punjabi by Nature restaurant is serving up fresh food & delicious sweets, including right here in Oakville. Until March 10, the Parantha Festival is on, so don’t forget to stop by and try the chai while you’re here!
Visit to Moods Cafe & Eatery in Oakville:
It was great to be back at Moods who is bringing a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine to Oakville, and sharing these rich and vibrant cultures with our community. Thanks for bringing families together over traditional dishes with a twist. Always good to see you!
Meeting with Mom2Mom Biz in Oakville:
When women thrive, Canada thrives. Mom2Mom Biz is fostering an inclusive network that empowers female entrepreneurs and small business owners at all levels, and gives back to our community. Thanks to founder, Bella Onay, for building a more connected & supportive Oakville.
Tabling our Government's Financial Plan:
Responsible spending is about making prudent investments in what matters most. Last week, I tabled the Main Estimates, which details how taxpayer dollars will be used to deliver on Canadians’ priorities like healthcare, housing, and more.
Learn more: https://canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/news/2024/02/treasury-board-president-anita-anand-tables-202425-main-estimates-including-reporting-on-the-refocusing-government-spending-initiative.html
Halton Women's Place Annual Fundraiser:
Halton Women's Place is breaking the cycle of domestic violence by providing life changing services to women, including emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis lines & transitional supports. Honoured to support the critical work of its annual fundraiser in building safer communities.
Stand with Ukraine Rally in Hamilton:
Canada stand's with Ukraine. We have for the past 2 years, and we will for as long as it takes. Ukraine is fighting for their freedom, democracy, sovereignty - and Canada stands with them. Slava Ukraini!
Greening Government with the Canadian Space Agency:
We are focused on greening our government! To deliver on this, we are helping the Canadian Space Agency reduce carbon on space projects, making low carbon heating more accessible in Northern communities and more!
Learn more: https://canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/news/2024/02/government-of-canada-announces-greener-operations-at-the-canadian-space-agency-and-for-our-northern-infrastructure.html…
The Canada School of Public Service’s Professional Development Program:
Inclusion means having Black leaders at all levels of the public service & around every table. The Canada School of Public Service’s Professional Development Program inspires & empowers its participants - and we’re expanding it.
Learn more about the program https://canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/news/2024/02/government-of-canadas-action-plan-to-support-black-public-servants.html