Brockville –  Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, today encouraged constituents to submit federal budget ideas to his office.

“As we prepare for our seventh consecutive Budget, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has asked that we once again consult with our constituents,” he notes. “In preparation for budget 2012, I am seeking advice from constituents on the best ways to promote job creation, spur economic growth and ensure a return to balanced budgets.”

Feedback from Canadians is important to our process, he explains.

While our Economic Action Plan is having a positive impact at home, Canada is not immune to the volatile global economy abroad—especially in Europe and the United States.

That’s why our next budget will build on the Economic Action Plan by continuing our government’s focus on smart, targeted and fiscally responsible initiatives to support economic activity and job creation.

It will also strongly underline our government’s commitment to responsible spending and returning to balanced budgets.

Canadian taxpayers demand that we continually ensure maximum value for their tax dollars.

There are two areas where we are seeking answers as part of the process.

Are there measures in the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan (Budget 2011) that should be revised to better promote job creations and economic growth? Should any be extended? Are there areas where funding should be shifted to meet changed priorities?

Budget 2011 outlined a plan to return to balance that included a strategic and operating review of government spending of taxpayer’s dollars (whose results will be reported on in Budget 2012).

In what areas should we look for more efficient and effective spending? How can we better respect taxpayers dollars by ensuring they are not wasted on duplication, inefficient operating expenses, or programs that have outlived their usefulness?

As well as responding to these ideas, please add your own thoughts.

Submissions can be mailed or dropped off at the Brockville constituency office by January 13, 2012.