Minister Morneau Announces Membership of the Advisory Council on Economic Growth

Press Release

March 18, 2016 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance

Finance Minister Bill Morneau today announced the Government’s new Advisory Council on Economic Growth, a group of 14 members comprised of Canadian and international business and academic leaders—all of whom were selected because they are recognized, forward-thinking individuals in their respective fields. Of the 14 members, 8 are women.

On March 22, Budget 2016 will take important first steps in creating the conditions for long-term growth, and a strong middle class. Over the coming months, the Government will develop an even more robust growth strategy designed to provide higher living standards and greater opportunity for the middle class and those working hard to join it. The strategy will be delivered by the end of the calendar year.

The Advisory Council will guide the Minister of Finance in the development of this strategy. As its first order of business, it will be tasked with finding ways to overcome the challenges posed by an aging population as Canada seeks to achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

The members of the Advisory Council are:

• Dominic Barton (chair)
• Elyse Allan
• Katherine Barr
• Jennifer Blanke
• Kenneth Courtis
• Brian Ferguson
• Suzanne Fortier
• Carol Anne Hilton
• Carol Lee
• Christopher Ragan
• Michael Sabia
• Angela Strange
• Ilse Treurnicht
• Mark Wiseman

Quote

“Our government’s top priority is creating long-term economic growth. I look forward to working with the Council members, whose diverse backgrounds and impressive expertise will inform our work as we develop and implement a strategy that will build on the foundation we will lay with Budget 2016, and restore hope for Canada’s middle class.”

– Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

Quick Facts

• The creation of the Advisory Council on Economic Growth was first announced by Minister Morneau in his speech to the Toronto Region Board of Trade on December 14, 2015.
• On February 22, 2016, Minister Morneau announced Dominic Barton as Chair of the Council.
• The Department of Finance has a long-standing practice of seeking third-party and private sector advice as a means of adding a different and broader view to the Department’s expertise.
• The Advisory Council on Economic Growth brings together a diverse group of members, who will provide a range of views and advice on long-term, strategic growth of the economy.
• Council members agree to a salary of $1. Their expenses will be reimbursed by the Government.

Media Contacts

Annie Donolo Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Finance 613-369-5697

Jack Aubry Media Relations Department of Finance 613-369-4000

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