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 January 31, 2024.
There are a few ways to get involved. Most of the options are listed on the government’s dedicated Budget 2024 website here but we have listed them out for you below as well:
Write out your thoughts and send them in by mail. Check out the government’s website here on where to send your letter. Note: Postage is required for mail sent to Ontario government representatives including the Premier. It is not required for mail sent to Federal government representatives.
Use the government’s online suggestion portal. You can structure your answers the way the government suggests (top 3 suggestions) or you can put your ideas into a Word or PDF document and upload it. You can choose either of these options on the “Submit Your Proposal” website linked directly 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. If you need more space to share your ideas, try the online suggestion portal too. The survey is open until January 31, 2024.
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 “2024 Pre-Budget Consultations” from the drop-down menu and follow the prompts. You can also submit a written brief through that link instead of applying to speak.
Note: The Committee has organized its meetings according to region, and there are deadlines to apply to speak. Some deadlines have already passed. The remaining locations and associated deadlines to apply to speak are as follows:
- Welland Deadline: Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Oakville Deadline: Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Hamilton Deadline: Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- London Deadline: Monday, January 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Cambridge Deadline: Monday, January 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Chatham Deadline: Monday, January 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Ottawa Deadline: Monday, January 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Cornwall Deadline: Monday, January 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Brockville Deadline: Monday, January 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Dryden Deadline: Monday, January 22, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Moosonee Deadline: Monday, January 22, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Thunder Bay Deadline: Monday, January 22, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- Sudbury Deadline: Monday, January 22, 2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)
Follow the directions and link above to apply to speak at any of these in-person consultations.
Need some inspiration and tips on how and what to write?
Stay tuned for our 2024 pre-budget submission, to be published on our website in January ahead of the January 31st deadline. You can incorporate our 2024 recommendations into your submission.
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 2023. Check out all of our posts tagged “Provincial Budgets” by clicking here. Last year we made eight 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.
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.
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.
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.