Minister of State Bernier Working to Empower Canada's Small Business Entrepreneurs

GUELPH, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 9, 2013) - The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) (Agriculture), today delivered brief remarks to local small business entrepreneurs at a luncheon organized by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. In his remarks, the Minister of State outlined the measures contained in Economic Action Plan (EAP) 2013 that are empowering Canada's entrepreneurs.

"The government strives to empower entrepreneurs by creating the best business conditions possible for them to succeed," said Minister of State Bernier. "Our government is working to keep more money in the pockets of entrepreneurs to save, spend or invest in the best interests of their business."

The Minister of State expanded on the EAP 2013 measures that are delivering for small business owners, which include keeping taxes low while returning to balanced budgets, extending and expanding the Hiring Credit for Small Business, and increasing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption. He also highlighted the Harper Government's Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, which cuts red tape and reduces barriers to doing business for entrepreneurs while making the regulatory process easier and more predictable.

"Canada has seen the strongest job growth among G7 countries over the course of the recent economic recovery," said Minister of State Bernier. "Our government will continue to support small business entrepreneurs to do what they do best: create jobs and wealth in Canada."

In Canada, small businesses account for 98 percent of all businesses, employ 70 percent of the private sector labour force and contribute about 40 percent to the GDP, proving to be important economic drivers and sources of job creation.