Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm happy to see you all in Atlantic Canada today.
As for me, I'm striving for political change in my riding of West Nova. This makes it important for me to listen to the people and what matters most to them. Since July I've heard a lot of concern from small business owners, employees, and even regular customers on the tax changes. That has been a hot topic recently.
I believe fully, after consulting with tax experts and entrepreneurs in my region, that these changes will hurt small businesses greatly.
Many are frustrated with the lack of consultation on this issue, also. Our member of Parliament held town halls for which fewer than 10% of households were notified, and he has been missing in action since those town halls. I find it worrisome that the consultation period was so short, and in the middle of summer, and despite the opposition's efforts, remained in the same period of time.
I hope you all use your influence on the government to speak about these policies that will hurt not only West Nova, but the rest of the country.
Thank you for your time.