Prince George – January 27, 2010

Dick Harris, BC/Yukon Caucus Chair and MP for Cariboo-Prince George and his guest the Honourable Gordon O’Connor, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip yesterday welcomed civic leaders, representatives of the small business community and the media from Cariboo-Central and the Interior for a pre-budget roundtable.

“Everyone presented very important suggestions and points of view,” said Harris.

“The overwhelming support of our Economic Action Plan was loudly proclaimed and clearly the roundtable participants shared the vision of moving to a balanced budget in the 2015-16 fiscal year,” said Harris.

The roundtable focused on discussion questions concerning cost-neutral or non-spending steps to take in the next budget to help create jobs and promote economic growth, as well as priorities for short and long term private sector growth, and areas where the federal government can be more efficient and effective.

“Areas of need were clearly identified and I know that the Minister [Honourable Gordon O’Connor] was keenly appreciative to hear from our folks here in the region and who are close to the ground,” continued Harris.

“We now have some great feedback and excellent suggestions to bring to the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister,” concluded Harris.