Dauphin, Manitoba, March 22, 2012—Today, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), addressed rural Manitoban entrepreneurs at an information technology forum. The event brought government representatives, academics and stakeholders together to discuss solutions to the challenges small business owners face.
"How do we make sure small business is a big success in Dauphin and throughout rural Canada?" Minister of State Bernier asked. "By having the best business environment possible for entrepreneurs to do what they do best: create jobs and wealth for this country."
The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining its low-tax plan, which not only leaves more money in the pockets of families and entrepreneurs but also ensures that Canada remains a leader on the world stage in an increasingly competitive global environment.
One of the best examples of this commitment is the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business announced in Budget 2011. The tax credit of up to $1,000 will help offset increases in small business owners' 2011 employment insurance premiums, significantly reducing their payroll costs.
Minister of State Bernier also encouraged entrepreneurs to consider participating in the Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program. The program will help up to 600 small and medium-sized enterprises across the country integrate information and communications technologies into their business to improve productivity.
"The federal government also continues to invest in technology, not only to create jobs and growth at home but also to encourage ingenuity for the benefit of this country," said Minister of State Bernier. "Since we introduced the Canada's Economic Action Plan to respond to the global recession, Canada has recovered more than all of the output and the jobs lost during the recession."
The federal government continues to take responsible, affordable and practical steps to assist Canadian small businesses. In Canada, small businesses account for 98 percent of companies, employ 48 percent of working Canadians and contribute about 30 percent to our country's GDP, proving to be an economic driver and an important source of job creation.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Scott French
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-943-6183
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
