Calgary, Alberta, September 10, 2013—The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) (Agriculture), today delivered a keynote address to members of Calgary's business and academic communities at a luncheon organized by the University of Calgary School of Public Policy. The Minister of State outlined how Economic Action Plan 2013 aims to empower Canada's entrepreneurs.
"Western Canadians are known for having the qualities that make for exceptional business leaders: drive, determination and self-reliance," said Minister of State Bernier. "Our government's low-tax plan for jobs and growth is working to position Calgary's entrepreneurs to create jobs and build wealth."
The Minister of State expanded on the Economic Action Plan 2013 measures that are delivering for small business owners. These include keeping taxes low while returning to balanced budgets, extending and expanding the Hiring Credit for Small Business, and increasing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption. He also highlighted the Harper Government's Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, which cuts red tape and reduces barriers to doing business for entrepreneurs while making the regulatory process easier and more predictable.
"We are focusing on the drivers of growth and job creation, reducing the administrative burden on businesses, and encouraging private sector hiring and a stronger entrepreneurial culture in Canada," said Minister of State Bernier. "These actions are underpinned by our ongoing commitment to keep taxes low and return to balanced budgets by 2015."
In Canada, small businesses account for 98 percent of companies, employ 70 percent of the private sector labour force and contribute about 40 percent to the GDP, proving to be important economic drivers and 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)
(Agriculture)
613-943-6183
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
