An Unprecedented Opportunity - 2006 Pre-Budget Consultation

Prior to the release of the federal government, for the FIRST TIME IN CANADIAN HISTORY, the federal government if providing Canadians from coast to coast with the opportunity to participate in a Pre-Budget Consultation. What does this mean? It means for the first time ever, we as Canadians have the opportunity to provide input on three key areas:

1. What would you like to see in Budget 2006 and future budgets?
2. If you propose further tax cuts - or spending increases - where should the government spend less?
3. How can the government deliver programs more efficiently and effectively?

Question #1 provides an unprecedented opportunity to send a loud and clear message to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Finance Minister James Flaherty that we expect Canada to uphold its commitment to contribute 0.7% of our GNP by 2015 and we expect a concrete plan in the 2006 budget and future budgets, on how Canada will do so.

There is a catch. The consultation period ends April 19th, 2006.

So please send your email today to James Flaherty, he is expecting it!

email him at: budget2006consult@fin.gc.ca

Oxfam UK "I'm In" Pledge

Tony Blair, among other influential world leaders, are at risk of not upholding their commitments and promises made to the Make Poverty History mandate and the Millennium Development Goals. It is our responsibility to remind our leaders that this is absolutely unacceptable; Oxfam UK has initiated the "I'm In" pledge for this very purpose.

Please take the time to add your voice to this cause and sign on to the pledge.

As Oxfam UK states, 'when millions of people speak loudly enough, politicians have to act.'


You can sign the pledge at:

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_you_can_do/imin/action/tonyblair02.htm?ito=2376&itc=0