The Economic Club of Canada

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 8, 2009) - The Economic Club of Canada today hosted the only formal federal pre-budget consultations to be held in Toronto. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, Ted Menzies, participated in three roundtable discussions; a roundtable focusing on economic issues, a roundtable focusing on manufacturing and a roundtable focusing on energy.

"This type of face-to-face interaction is invaluable to the budget development process," said Menzies. "During this period of economic uncertainty, the federal budget will provide the economic stimulus needed to support individuals, families and businesses throughout Canada. The input provided today will make the budget that much better."

Those taking part in the three roundtable discussions included representatives from TD Securities, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Certified General Accountants of Ontario, Cybernomics and Spectra Energy. Each roundtable lasted approximately two hours giving each participant an opportunity to make an opening statement and participate in an open discussion.

"Today's event provided our members with a unique opportunity to speak directly to the federal government and offer solutions to the current economic crisis," said Mark Adler, President and CEO of The Economic Club of Canada. "By hosting events like this, our club is not only helping to improve the federal budget, we are helping to make history."

"I want to thank the Economic Club of Canada for opportunity to participate in the pre-budget consultations," said David Sword of Spectra Energy. "This is a critical budget and as many Canadians as possible should have input into the process. This is about Canadians helping Canadians get through this desperate economic situation."

The federal Budget will be presented to the House of Commons in Ottawa on Tuesday January 27, 2009 at 4pm.

The Economic Club of Canada continues to help make history. On Tuesday January 13, 2009 the Economic Club will be hosting David Plouffe, President-elect Barack Obama's campaign Manager.