Expert Panel on Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing (TFF) Opens Consultations

Related Documents:

• Members' biographies
• Terms of reference
• Issues paper

Ottawa, April 4, 2005 — The Expert Panel on Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing is an independent advisory body established to undertake a review of the Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing (TFF) programs. The Panel today released an issues paper designed to elicit the views of all stakeholders: federal, provincial and territorial governments; academics and public policy institutes; and other interested organizations and individuals. Submissions are being sought by June 1, 2005.

The Equalization and TFF programs make an important contribution to the provinces' and territories' ability to provide Canadians with comparable public services at comparable levels of taxation. "Our challenge is to listen to the various ideas and options, and formulate recommendations for consideration by the Government of Canada that will strengthen the principles underlying these programs for the benefit of all Canadians," said Mr. O'Brien, Chair of the Expert Panel.

Established in March 2005 by federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale, the Panel is seeking views on a number of key issues, including: how to allocate provincial and territorial entitlements; how to make these payments more stable and predictable; how to measure interprovincial fiscal disparities and the cost of providing services in the North in determining overall levels of federal support; and whether a permanent independent body should be created to provide advice to the Government of Canada on these matters.

"Our first job is to develop a comprehensive process for seeking the views of governments, experts, public policy institutes, academics and interested members of the public on these important matters. In addition to receiving submissions, members of the Panel will meet early in their mandate with provincial and territorial governments, academics and other interested parties," added Mr. O'Brien.

Initial consultations with provinces and territories are planned for the months of April and May. The Panel is also prepared to organize roundtable discussions in different regions across the country in June to give academics and other interested parties an opportunity to express their views. Expressions of interest in participating in these roundtable discussions are being sought by May 1, 2005.

The Panel comprises: Al O'Brien, Chair; Elizabeth Parr-Johnston; Fred Gorbet; Robert Lacroix; and Mike Percy. Mike Percy, working closely with the Chair and with the assistance of other panel members, will focus on issues unique to the North and TFF. The Panel will report to the Minister of Finance by December 2005.

The issues paper can be found on the Expert Panel's web site at www.eqtff-pfft.ca.

Submissions and expressions of interest in participating in the roundtable discussions 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

For further information contact:

Renée St-Jacques, Secretary to the Panel or
Natasha Rascanin, Government and Media Relations
(613) 992-3862.

Last Updated: 2012-02-04		Important Notices