The Government of Ontario has opened up its pre-budget consultation period for submissions from members of the public. This is a great time to share your thoughts on what should be included and prioritized in the next provincial budget when it comes to improving income security for low-income Ontarians.
The deadline to submit all comments is February 10, 2023.
There are a few ways to get involved:
Write out your thoughts and send them in by mail. Check out the government’s website here on where to send your letter – no postage necessary!
Email your thoughts to submissions@ontario.ca. Don’t forget to include your name or the name of your organization; and use “2023 Budget Consultations” in the subject line; and attach your submission as a PDF or Word document. More details here.
Fill out the government’s survey here. Every question gives you a chance to write in more thoughts under the “Other” option. Don’t hesitate to write about the issues most important to you, even if you don’t see them listed. The survey is open until February 10, 2023.
Apply to speak directly to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. You can apply to speak to the Committee at this link. Choose “Yes” and then “2023 Pre-Budget Consultations” from the drop-down menu and follow the prompts.
Note: The Committee has organized its meetings according to region, and there are deadlines to apply to speak:
- Windsor Deadline: Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Sudbury Deadline: Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Sault Ste. Marie Deadline: Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Timmins Deadline: Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Ottawa Deadline: Tuesday, January 31st, 2023 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Kingston Deadline: Tuesday, January 31st, 2023 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Toronto Deadline: Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Barrie Deadline: Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 at 12:00 PM (EST)
Need some inspiration and tips on how and what to write?
Read some of our previous budget commentary, submissions, and documents: We’ve written a lot of analysis and commentary on previous budget decisions, including the government’s recent Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, released in November 2022. Check out all of our posts tagged “Provincial Budgets” by clicking here.
Last year we made nine major recommendations in our budget submission, calling for the province to make investments in justice for workers, income security programs, and access to justice. Check out ISAC’s budget submission from last year here.
Keep it brief: If you’re sending in a written submission, try to keep it to 500 words or less. If you are chosen to appear as a “witness” before the Committee (meaning if you are given the opportunity to speak directly to the Committee), plan to speak for two to three minutes maximum. Practice and time yourself. Be aware that Committee members may ask you follow up questions.
Share your words from the heart: Don’t be afraid to share your personal story when submitting your thoughts on how the government can improve and invest in income security.
Let your MPP know about the budget issues you care about too: In addition to participating in the budget consultation process noted above, consider sending your written submission or your general thoughts to your MPP. They need to hear from you too! You can use your postal code to find your MPP and their contact info at this link here.