February 01, 2011

Mr. Bev Shipley, MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, recently held successful pre-budget consultation meetings with his constituents from January 19th – 22nd at Lambton Kent Memorial Arena in Dresden, Ailsa Craig Community Centre, Oneida Community Centre, and the Grand Bend Public School.  At the meetings, MP Shipley solicited input and advice from constituents regarding what should be included in the up-coming Federal Budget, which is slated for release sometime this March.   “The meetings were a huge success—biggest turnout we’ve ever had,” said Shipley.  “The average person has a lot to offer and this is a great way to find out what their priorities are.”   The constituent input gained at the pre-budget consultations has been compiled into a letter (see below) to the Minister of Finance which he can consider while preparing the budget.



February 1, 2011


The Honourable James Flaherty
Department of Finance Canada
140 O'Connor Street
Ottawa ON
K1A 0G5


Dear Minister,

On behalf of my constituents in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, it is my honour to present this report detailing the results of the pre-budget consultations I have recently held.

I conducted four public meetings, in Dresden in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, in Ailsa Craig in the Municipality of Middlesex Centre, in Grand Bend in the Municipality of Lambton Shores, and in the First Nations Community of Oneida on the Thames.  I also solicited and received significant constituent input by phone, fax, email, and written correspondence.

It was pleasure to have Senator Patrick Brazeau join me to help facilitate the discussions with our first Nations Communities.

I was greatly impressed and encouraged by the number of responses that I received and the quality of the ideas and suggestions that came forward.   Minister, once again this process has clearly demonstrated to me the wealth of expertise, insight, and understanding possessed by Canadians from all walks of life; all we have to do is ask them.

I have decided to divide this report into three sections:

1.General Comments summarizing the views and concerns constituents expressed;
2.specific reports and comments that I received; and
3.recommendations.

General Comments

At each meeting, constituents were asked to view a slideshow presentation.  They were also given a hard copy of the presentation for ease of reference.  Meeting participants were asked to offer their specific ideas with respect to the following three questions.

1. In what areas do you think the federal government can be more efficient and effective?
2. What cost-neutral or non-spending steps can the federal government take in the next budget to help create jobs and promote economic growth?
3. What should Canada’s priorities be for the short and long term to encourage private sector growth and leadership in the economy?

While some participants had specific ideas and suggestions, others offered comments on the general policy directions of the government with a general consensus with respect to the following:

1. Government needs to be effective, efficient, smaller, and leaner;
2. government should remain focused on the economy, job creation, and healthcare, while supporting families and seniors;
3. taxes should be lower for all Canadian, but in particular for job-creators;
4. more jobs results in more tax revenues and decreased demands for social services;
5. government must return to balanced budgets as soon as possible;
6. government can reduce interest costs by paying down debt;
7. Canada must have a strong domestic and international defence and support for our troops means giving them the tools they need to do the jobs they are asked to do;
8. the Conservative Party should re-evaluate its current advertising program.

Constituent Recommendations

1. Government should consider potential cost savings to transfer program service delivery from Ottawa to rural communities where cost of living tends to be much lower.  This would also help alleviate in these areas where there has been significantly higher unemployment;
2. the government should implement the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance for the agricultural sector;
3. government should only agree to host future international summits after conducting a thorough cost/benefit analysis.  If there is no net benefit to Canada, the government should refocus investment to priority areas;
4. government should consider the net benefit of privatizing crown corporations;
5. government should re-evaluate subsidies to print and broadcast organizations, gradually reducing subsidies in order to encourage competition in the private sector;
6. government should amend the Canada Health Act and the Canada Social Transfer Act to ensure accountability and transparency;
7. government should harmonize import and export standards on softwoods and manufactured products with the United States which would level the competitive playing field with our largest trading partner;
8. government should expand and negotiate new free trade agreements around the world and lessen dependence on the United States;
9. government should reform all agriculture programs and transfer funding to provinces under a single transfer agreement similar to the Canada Health Act;
10. government should re-evaluate immigration and refugee policies;
11. First Nation Chiefs expressed an understanding of the Government’s current fiscal limitations while noting increased need for education and economic development funding for their communities.  Their briefs are attached but generally recommend the elimination of the Indian Act, significant reductions at INAC with funding reallocated to priority needs;
12. government should move quickly to establish Pooled Registered Pension Program.

Minister, on behalf my constituents I want to thank you for the opportunity to present their views with respect to our Government’s 2011-12 Budget.

Yours truly,

Bev Shipley, MP
Lambton-Kent-Middles