Consultation Activity Report

The Expert Panel on Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing (TFF) launched its website on April 4, 2005. At that time, the Panel posted a Key Issues paper that explains how the Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing programs have evolved in recent years and puts forward a series of questions for deliberation. The paper was intended to help frame discussions with governments and other interested parties, and provide guidance to those intending to make submissions to the Panel.

Submissions to the Panel were sought via the website, as well as through correspondence with governments and subject matter experts. Over thirty submissions have been posted on the Panel's website to date.

On March 31, 2005, the Chair of the Expert Panel wrote to all provincial and territorial Finance Ministers, indicating the Panel's availability to meet with officials, and inviting them to present submissions to the Panel. The offer was reiterated on September 6 to those with whom the Panel had not yet met. Meetings have been held with officials from every province and territory.

Five roundtables also took place to provide additional opportunities for academics, government officials, business representatives, and other interested parties to meet with the Expert Panel, and present their perspectives on Equalization and TFF.

• Montreal, June 8, hosted by the Centre interuniversitaire de recherche en analyse des organisations (CIRANO)
• Toronto, June 10, hosted by the C.D. Howe Institute
• Calgary, June 14, hosted by the Canada West Foundation
• Moncton, July 20, hosted by the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council
• Yellowknife, August 25, hosted by the University of Alberta

As well, an academic workshop was held on June 3, 2005, bringing together a group of experts to discuss key elements of the Panel's mandate. Summaries of the roundtable and academic workshop discussions are available on the Panel's website.

To date, the Panel has met with over 200 people from the public, private and academic sectors. The Panel continues to meet, as required, to inform its deliberations.

Submissions can be sent to the Panel's Secretariat by e-mail, mail or fax:

• E-Mail: panel@eqtff-pfft.ca
• Mail: Equalization and TFF Secretariat
  14^th floor, Room 14052
  219 Laurier Avenue West
  Ottawa, Ontario
  K1A 0G5
• Fax: (613) 992-3888

Last Updated: 2010-03-10		Important Notices