Ottawa, October 14, 2012—The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), made the following statement to mark the start of the Business Development Bank of Canada's Small Business Week, which runs from October 14 to 20:
"Small business owners and entrepreneurs drive the Canadian economy forward. Small businesses make up 98 percent of all companies in Canada and employ nearly half of working Canadians in the private sector.
"Small Business Week is a time for Canadians to recognize the enormous contributions that small business owners make to our country by creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.
"I have had the chance to meet many of Canada's entrepreneurs, and they have told me how the government can make it easier for their businesses to succeed: keep taxes low, cut red tape and promote Canadian exports in new markets.
"Earlier this month, our government delivered on our promise to reduce the burden of red tape on entrepreneurs with the announcement of the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, an ambitious and far-reaching plan to cut red tape and support businesses in their efforts to create jobs, stimulate growth and invest in the future.
"In closing, I would like to thank the Business Development Bank of Canada for all of its hard work in making Small Business Week a successful event every year and for its commitment to helping so many entrepreneurs across Canada.
"I invite all Canadians to join me this week in honouring the entrepreneurs who are proving to be key economic drivers and important sources of job creation."
For further information (media only), please contact:
Scott French
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-943-6183
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
