The Board of Trade presents prebudget recommendations to the federal government: focus on sound management of public finances, major structuring projects and increased economic competitiveness

MONTREAL, Jan. 29, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has presented its recommendations in the run-up to the 2013-2014 federal budget. It asks that the government maintain its target of a balanced budget in 2015-2016, prioritize structuring public infrastructure projects for the Montréal metropolitan area and improve our economy's productivity.

"Our recommendations reflect the continuing tough global economic situation," says Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. "Canadian businesses have to deal not only with the economic slowdown among our main trading partners, but also with weak performance in productivity and a shrinking labour pool."

"The Government of Canada needs to stay the course for a balanced budget in 2015-2016 to regain some budgetary flexibility," Michel Leblanc says. "It should do this by controlling spending and increasing the government's productivity, rather than by increasing the tax burden."

"The government should also continue to support structuring public infrastructure projects for our economy," Mr. Leblanc says. "An integrated approach to public transit and road transport requires greater cooperation among stakeholders. So we encourage the government to adopt a collaborative approach to the Champlain Bridge project and begin widespread consultations to develop a national strategy on public transit."

"It is also essential that the government prioritize initiatives that will improve business productivity and support our economic growth," Michel Leblanc says. "It needs to review and reinforce support measures to research and innovation, continue to support businesses on international markets, reduce red tape for small business and encourage entrepreneurship."

The Board of Trade's recommendations fall into three main categories:

1. Staying the course for a balanced budget without increasing the tax burden;
2. Prioritizing and supporting structuring public infrastructure projects;
3. Better supporting businesses and reinforcing economic productivity.

You can consult the Board of Trade's prebudget recommendations by clicking here (in French only, English to come).

About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.

SOURCE: Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal

Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: [phone], extension 4015
[email protected]

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