Throughout the month of January, MP John Oliver conducted pre-budget consultations in Oakville to gather community input on economic solutions. Mr. Oliver consulted widely with his constituents to hear their ideas for growing the economy, supporting the middle class, and investing in infrastructure. These consultations demonstrate how the newly-elected government respects and values the input of Canadians in addressing the economic realities of 2016.
These pre-budget consultations involved an extensive array of respondents. In conjunction with fellow Liberal MP Pam Damoff, Mr. Oliver met with representatives of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Oakville and the International Union of Operating Engineers, as well as local MPPs Kevin Flynn, Indira Naidoo-Harris and Eleanor McMahon. Ms. Damoff and Burlington MP, Karina Gould, joined Mr. Oliver during discussions with Halton social service providers. Mr. Oliver also met with representatives of local unions, as well as community groups. In addition, constituents and organizations were invited to submit their ideas through online submissions, email, Facebook and Twitter. Mr. Oliver was very pleased with the level of engagement and responsiveness of the community.
The consultations and online submissions provided Mr. Oliver with robust and wide-ranging feedback. In-person consultations focused on ideas for supporting the middle class, growing the economy through infrastructure investments, protecting the environment, and ensuring that the interests of the most vulnerable in our society are considered. Common themes that emerged from these consultations included the need to support business sectors that create significant job opportunities, such as manufacturers and small- and medium-sized businesses. There was widespread agreement that infrastructure investment is needed not only to create jobs, but also to protect our existing infrastructure, provide needed affordable housing, and improve commuting options in the GTA. Constituents also identified the importance of aligning the education system with workforce needs to ensure that young people find employment. Finally, the community expects that all levels of government will work together collaboratively to address our economic issues.
Mr. Oliver was pleased to participate in this community dialogue and appreciated the excellent input he received. By giving citizens the opportunity to have their voices heard, the new federal government intends to deliver an economic agenda that reflects Canadians' values and ideas.