MP Arya’s suggestions for the 2021 budget (in addition to the recommendations made by him as part of several caucus sub-groups).

1. Initiate the process for Zero-based Budgeting with the focus (not to cut spending but) to repurpose the spending to activities/programs that directly stimulate and contribute to economic growth (and hence focus on creating jobs).
2. Initiate steps toward Citizenship-based Taxation. Since expatriate Canadians enjoys the same rights (and same benefits on their return to Canada) as Canadian residents, they should also have the same obligations (and responsibilities) as resident Canadians and contribute by paying taxes (though on a different scale).
3. Government of Canada is the biggest buyer of goods and services. Announce, subject to all multilateral trade agreements, federal government in all its procurement will give preference to Canadian small businesses.
4. Recognize the movement of global economy to a knowledge-based economy. Announce a task force to study implications to Canada including but not limited to the impact of artificial intelligence (and other fast developing technologies) on Canadian economy/corporates and to Canadian society.
5. Recognize the major changes (and big positive impact on tackling climate change) currently happening to trillions of dollars transportation sector due to shift from internal combustion engines to electric (battery and possibly hydrogen fuel cells technologies) and autonomous vehicles. Create a task force to develop strategies to keep Canada at the forefront of this sector/technologies with focus on sector wide development (mines to manufacturing to technology) plans.