Finance minister Bill Morneau kicks off budget talks with Halifax business leaders

Canada’s Finance Minister Bill Morneau is launching his cross-country budget consultations in Halifax, Monday.

Morneau is spending the morning with 16 business leaders in Halifax, followed by a speech and power point presentation at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, and a townhall meeting with students at Dalhousie University.

“He’s very much in listening mode,” said spokesperson Jack Aubry, addind that the goal of the round-tables is to get ideas for the budget from people across the country.

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His round-table meeting with business leaders includes Laurel Broten, CEO of NSBI;  John Allen, owner of the Propeller Brewing Company; and Valerie Payn, CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Aubry said.

Morneau is also meeting with provincial Finance Minister Randy Delorey, but won’t be meeting with Premier Stephen McNeil.

Monday’s meeting with business leaders in Halifax is Morneau’s first. On Friday he held a Google Hangout with six universities.

Following his meetings in Halifax, Morneau will make stops in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Surrey, B.C.