Mr. Speaker, the hon. member mentioned in his comments that we should take our hats off to small business. I agree 100% with him on that statement. It is very important for us to recognize the contributions being made by small business to our social fabric.
In my riding of Halifax West there are numerous small businesses. Many are experiencing difficulties. All we can do to try to offset those difficulties should be welcomed. We must do more than just take our hats off to small business. We must be sure to support measures designed to assist small business because that is very important.
I support this bill. Although much more needs to be done, this is certainly a step in the right direction. Like my hon. colleague, I too take my hat off to small business people who are working very hard to create the kind of society we need. They are employing people and struggling against many bureaucratic obstacles while still maintaining a very important function.