Responsibility and care in Budget 2011

Last week CPJ submitted our pre-budget recommendations to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance for Budget 2011. Every year this committee invites Canadians to raise concerns and offer suggestions for the drafting of the next federal budget.

Our recommendations come at a time of economic recovery after the recent recession, when the government is facing challenges concerning how to invest Canadian revenues for the best possible outcome. CPJ recognizes that these decisions are not always easy. But in order to promote the well-being of all Canadians, the budget must be made up of responsible and caring investments.

An economic deficit emerged out of the recession and these difficult economic times also exacerbated Canada’s social deficit. Canadian social programs often fall short of meeting the needs of Canadians in difficult circumstances, and often keep people in poverty instead of helping lift people out of poverty.

In response, CPJ is calling for a budget that addresses both the economic and social deficits and one that focuses on building sustainable and lasting change. We believe this is reflected in the Biblical calls for justice, love for our neighbours and care for creation. We hope Budget 2011 can reflect these values, promoting the well-being of all Canadians.

Read our submission here