Mr. Speaker, this past week Canadians celebrated Small Business Week with over 350 events across the country.
Canada is made up of small and medium-sized businesses. They are the vast majority of all companies and employ 6 of every 10 private sector workers. They are innovative and service-oriented. They are the lifeblood of Canadian communities.
I was an entrepreneur and business owner for many years before running for public office. I appreciate the hard work, dedication and optimism that it takes and I understand the challenges. Small businesses give much to Canadian society, and they need government to do its part in return.
Here is what I hear from businesses: “Give us less red tape, not just another study; reduce rather than increase our EI payroll tax burden; and accept our ideas for fixing complex tax and reporting requirements that are rigid and overlapping”.
Today I want to congratulate everyone who owns, runs or works in a small business for their immeasurable contributions to Canadian life. I ask all Canadians to support their local small businesses.