Montréal, Quebec, November 27, 2012—Today, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), helped launch Startup Canada Blueprints, a consensus- and community-building exercise, which summarize the feedback that Startup Canada received from Canadian entrepreneurs as part of its national tour.
"Small business owners across Canada are truly the lifeline of our economy, and many of them contributed to these blueprints," said Minister of State Bernier. "Their feedback reinforces our Government's continued commitment to providing a better business environment for them to succeed."
The Minister of State acknowledged that Startup Canada Blueprints will enhance the culture of entrepreneurship in Canada. Increasing awareness of entrepreneurs in their communities is in keeping with the Harper Government's efforts to foster entrepreneurship by taking decisive action in support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME).
Economic Action Plan 2012 outlined a number of measures to support small business, including doubling the contribution budget of the Industrial Research Assistance Program to better support research and development. Other measures include extending the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business for one year and limiting Employment Insurance premium rate increases.
"Last month, our Government announced our Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, which will cut unnecessary red tape and save entrepreneurs time and money," said Minister of State Bernier. "Our government will continue to provide support for SMEs as they create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity."
In Canada, small businesses account for 98 percent of companies, employ 48 percent of working Canadians and contribute about 30 percent to the GDP, 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
