The road to Budget 2025 has been paved not just by government planners, but by thousands of Canadians who stepped forward to share their priorities, hopes, and challenges during one of the country’s most ambitious consultation processes to date.
Over the past six weeks, the Government of Canada has carried out a cross-country listening tour aimed at capturing the real concerns and ambitions of Canadians in a time marked by global uncertainty and domestic pressures. With Budget 2025 expected to outline Canada’s path to building the strongest economy in the G7, the consultations offered an essential opportunity for citizens, businesses, and communities to make their voices heard.
“Our government is working tirelessly to protect our industries and workers from unjustified tariffs, lower costs for Canadians, create one strong and united Canadian economy, and make Canada an energy superpower. But we can’t do that without Canadians’ input. From every province and territory, we’ve heard directly about the challenges, ambitions and hopes that will shape the future. Thank you to all those who participated,” expressed the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue.
A Nationwide Effort
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Secretary of State Wayne Long, and Parliamentary Secretaries Ryan Turnbull and Rachel Bendayan led the charge, meeting with stakeholders in 26 cities from coast to coast to coast. Nearly 50 roundtables and 60 bilateral meetings brought together workers, business leaders, Indigenous representatives, innovators, unions, and community groups.
Their conversations touched on some of the most pressing issues of the moment: labour mobility, the effects of U.S. tariffs, the promise and disruption of artificial intelligence, immigration, manufacturing, and the urgent need for affordable housing. Each dialogue underscored the complex balancing act Canada must navigate to sustain growth and fairness in an unpredictable global economy.
“Over the past six weeks, we have crisscrossed the country and heard from Canadians from coast to coast to coast about their priorities for our new government’s first budget. What we have heard in these consultations will play a critical role in shaping Budget 2025’s blueprint to build the strongest economy in the G7, make Canada a global energy superpower, defend our sovereignty, keep our communities safe, and make life more affordable for Canadians,” summarized the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency and financial institutions.
Digital Voices, National Impact
Consultations weren’t limited to meeting rooms. Through Canada.ca/your-budget, Canadians had their say online. Since July 14, more than 84,000 submissions poured in, providing an unfiltered view of the priorities shaping daily life across the country. Respondents emphasized three major themes: building one strong economy, reducing everyday costs, and strengthening defence and security.
“Input of Canadians across the country will help us mold Canada’s next budget —a budget focused on building the housing and infrastructure we need, unlocking investment, and leveraging what Canada has to offer the world. As we work to address affordability, and protect our sovereignty and economic security, it has been inspiring to see the unity, and resolve, of Canadians who are determined to build the strongest economy in the G7,” said Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue.
This groundswell of digital participation highlights how Canadians are not only engaged but eager to take part in shaping policy at a time when questions of affordability, sovereignty, and competitiveness loom large.
From Consultation to Policy
“Meeting with business leaders and industry associations throughout the summer has provided us with a unique perspective not only on the priorities of Canadians but the incredible ambition we have for our country. Canadians are rolling up their sleeves and ready to cooperate to make big things happen. This input will guide Budget 2025 and help everyone create the conditions necessary to unlock the huge potential in Canada’s economy,” stated Rachel Bendayan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister.
