Minister of State Bernier Celebrates Canadian Entrepreneurship During Small Business Week

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 20, 2013) - The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) (Agriculture), made the following statement to mark the start of the Business Development Bank of Canada's Small Business Week, which runs from October 20 to 26, 2013:

"Canada's entrepreneurs are creating jobs and building wealth across the country. Small Business Week is an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize the significant contribution that entrepreneurs make to our economy.

"Small business entrepreneurs from coast to coast tell me that our government is on the right track as we build on our commitment to keeping taxes low and returning to balanced budgets by 2015.

"Through Economic Action Plan 2013, our government continues to empower Canada's entrepreneurs. We are extending and expanding the Hiring Credit for Small Business, increasing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption, and making the regulatory process easier and more predictable through the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan.

"The determination and innovative spirit of Canada's small business owners are what drive our economy forward. Small businesses make up 98 percent of all companies in Canada, employ nearly 70 percent of the private sector labour force and contribute about 40 percent to the gross domestic product.

"In closing, I would like to congratulate the Business Development Bank of Canada on the annual success of Small Business Week and on its steadfast commitment to helping build small businesses across the country.

"I hope all Canadians take this opportunity to celebrate the small business entrepreneurs who are big job creators and key to Canada's economic growth going forward."