Minister of Finance Visits Swift Current for Budget Consultation

January 12, 2010

25 community and business leaders have the ear of Jim Flaherty

SWIFT CURRENT, SK - The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance visited Swift Current, Saskatchewan on January 12, 2010 for a roundtable discussion on the economy. David Anderson, Member of Parliament, Cypress Hills-Grasslands hosted the event to bring the Minister together with community leaders and businesses in south west Saskatchewan.

“It’s a great opportunity to be able to present the Minister to this constituency as we examine our priorities in preparation for the next Parliament.” Anderson adds, “It was also a great opportunity for the Minister to become familiar with Cypress Hills-Grasslands. Saskatchewan has led the national economy for the last year and south west Saskatchewan has led our province. I am pleased that the people of south west Saskatchewan were able to discuss their concerns and ideas with the Minister."

The Minister met with about 25 community and business leaders from a broad range of sectors in south west Saskatchewan. Business, financial and education representatives were able to present their perspectives and proposals to Canada's Finance Minister.

“The challenge was to ensure that the region was well represented at the roundtable. We met with a variety of participants from across the riding.”  Anderson acknowledges that the area relies heavily on agriculture, “It was certainly important to have agriculture producer and manufacturing representation. However it was also important to have representation from other sectors such as energy, education, finance and the hospitality industry present as well.”

“It was a coup to get the Minister to our riding during this busy time as he is preparing the 2010 Budget.  Southwest Saskatchewan will have direct input into the next phase of the Economic Action Plan.” Anderson concluded.