
People are vital to any effective strategy for success as a country,
just as they are within a company. Access to high-quality education
and training is essential to the maintenance of a world-leading labour
force. A focus on disadvantaged groups, especially Aboriginal peoples,
will be critical in realizing the full potential of Canada's existing
population. At the same time, immigration policies must continue to
help Canadian communities and enterprises to attract much-needed talent
from abroad and to enable newcomers to integrate quickly within our
economy.
Some public goods, such as investment in education or essential infrastructure,
have direct implications for the country's future prosperity. Others,
such as a strong social safety net and high-quality, universally accessible
public health care, reflect a desire to draw on Canada's existing economic
strength to improve the quality of life of Canadians today. Good public
policy requires both a sensible balance between current consumption
and investment in the future and an uncompromising dedication to achieving
the best possible outcomes for every tax dollar that is spent.