The Queen City was one of the latest stops for federal minister Mona Fortier during her pre-budget tour.
Fortier, minister of middle class prosperity and associate minister of finance, is on a cross-Canada tour to incorporate interests that Canadians believe should be considered for the upcoming federal budget.
Regina was Fortier’s first stop in Western Canada, visiting stakeholders, politicians, students and members of the public on Sunday and Monday.
She said these visits give her a chance to meet with people face-to-face and hear what ideas they have regarding the budget.
“We know that the oil and gas sector has been very affected and that other sectors need to be supported such as agriculture,” “I get a better understand on where we should be investing.”
Fortier toured through municipalities in Ontario and Quebec before arriving in the provincial capital over the weekend. One thing she has learned is that Canadians have different realities depending on where they live and their family structures.
Some of the different economic pressures people have presented to her have covered anything from flooding plans to affordable housing.
But one topic that opened her eyes during her visit in Regina revolved around domestic violence.
“With Saskatchewan and Regina having high domestic violence [numbers], how do we support families to have the needs and supports to help reduce that,” she added.
Until February 21, residents can send their feedback online on what the federal government should be supporting with the upcoming budget.
“We really want to hear from Canadians because we believe it’s their budget. We want to understand what can be done to support Canadian families.”
More information is available at their website here.
