High school students advise Canada's Minister of Finance on the upcoming budget

TORONTO, Dec. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - For the very first time, students are advising Canada's Minister of Finance, and the rest of the country, on what should be the priorities of next year's federal budget. 

The Student Budget Consultation is a new civic education and financial literacy program that is being offered to high schools across the country.  More than 400 classes have registered to participate.

The purpose of the project is to increase students' knowledge about Canadian government and public finances, heighten interest in public policy and encourage debate about important issues facing the country.

The consultation website is now open at www.civix.ca/sbc.

The project offers a series of unique educational videos featuring Jim Flaherty, Canada's Minister of Finance, which help teach students about the federal government's revenue, expenses, debt and deficit.

Although the program is based on the federal budget, the project is not about math or accounting; it's all about major national issues and current affairs. From foreign investment to innovation and taxes to the environment, students will listen to the opinions of political insiders and political party representatives, including Peggy Nash, Scott Brison and Elizabeth May.

Following the learning and dialogue, students will provide their feedback on the 2013 budget priorities through an online survey.   All submissions received by December 20^th will be incorporated into a report which will be shared with media and the Department of Finance.

"We believe that if we can engage students in issues and dialogue between elections, they will be more likely to participate in their democracy and vote when there is an election," said Taylor Gunn, President and CEO of CIVIX Canada. "Most importantly, young Canadians will inherit the decisions made by government for years to come.  They deserve an opportunity to voice their concerns to government and have an impact on the upcoming federal budget."

The Student Budget Consultation was made possible due to financial support from the Youth Take Charge Program at the Department of Canadian Heritage, Interac and the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians.

About CIVIX Canada
CIVIX Canada is a national charity that aims to build the capacity and commitment of young Canadians to participate in their democracy. CIVIX's flagship program is Student Vote, a parallel election for students under the voting age coinciding with official election periods.

SOURCE: CIVIX