Mr. Speaker, this is Small Business Week, and we recognize the vital role small businesses play in our economy and in all our communities. As a former small business operator, I understand the risks that owners take when they start out. I know how hard it is to grow a business, yet how satisfying it is to hire that new employee to grow and thrive.
Small and medium-size businesses are 99% of Canadian businesses. They account for 40% of our GDP and employ 10.5 million Canadians.
I take this opportunity to thank all our small businesses from coast to coast to coast. They are doing great work in our communities.
Our government applauds your efforts. We are committed to working with you to help you grow and to help strengthen our economy.