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Budget 2004 - Budget Plan
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Chapter 4
Moving Forward on the Priorities of Canadians

Introduction

Canadians are united by a belief in equality of opportunity. It is a principle that defines us as a nation, a cause that unites us as a community and a goal that defines this government.

In the Speech from the Throne, the Government set out an ambitious agenda to improve the standard of living and quality of life of all Canadians. Its three themes are to strengthen Canada’s social foundations, build a dynamic 21st century economy and restore Canada’s influence in the world.

Just as Canadians are united by the belief in equality of opportunity, so too are the three themes of the Government’s agenda. For it is by giving all Canadians the opportunity to succeed, to reach their potential, and to build a better life for themselves, their families and their communities that Canada will succeed and be a model for the world.

At the core of this budget is the recognition that to achieve our goal of better lives for all Canadians, our social and economic policies must be mutually reinforcing. Quite simply, there can be no strong economy without a secure society, and no secure society without a strong economy to support it. And underlying this must be the prudence of balanced budgets that comes with living within our means.

Therefore, this budget is built on the foundation of creating opportunity for individuals. It recognizes that opportunity has many dimensions and can be defined in many ways.

The measures in this budget have been designed to meet the test of what Canadians believe are our priorities as a nation. They focus on the importance of health care, learning, communities, the economy and our place in the world, each of which is crucial to the creation of opportunity for each and every Canadian. Each is a step down the path towards a Canada of opportunity and achievement.

This budget lays the foundation for that greater Canada, a nation where individual opportunity translates into economic achievement and social justice.

The Importance of:

• Health.
• Learning.
• Knowledge and Commercialization.
• Communities.
• Canada's Relationship to the World.

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