Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the vital role that small business plays in our economy. That is why we are putting money in the hands of job creators with the small business job credit. Our plan lowers EI payroll taxes by 15%. It will save small businesses over $550 million. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business called the move “big news for small business”.
However, our announcement left the Liberal leader scrambling. The next day, he released his back-of-the-envelope EI policy. He should have taken his time. He does not even know the cost of his plan. What is worse, it would encourage businesses to fire employees. It is so far off base that the member for Wascana has been naming economists as supporters of the plan when they actually oppose it.
The Liberal record on EI is clear: raiding the EI fund, supporting a 45-day work year and its 35% premium hike, and proposing massive tax hikes.
We are lowering taxes for 90% of all businesses. That is a record to be proud of.