Minister of State Bernier Celebrates Chatham-Area Entrepreneurs at Small Business Forum

CHATHAM, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 11, 2012) - Today, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), addressed Chatham-area entrepreneurs at a small business forum discussing global trends and opportunities for the local economy.

"Our government understands that small businesses will lead our economic recovery," said Minister of State Bernier. "To help them become more competitive, we are working to create the best business environment possible, which includes cutting the government red tape that costs entrepreneurs time and money."

Canada's Economic Action Plan 2012 outlines measures to support small businesses, including lower taxes for small businesses, easier access to business permits and licences and a reduction in red tape burden.

"We are lowering costs for small businesses by proposing a new approach to setting stable and predictable Employment Insurance premium rates and by extending the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business for one year. This is a practical, proven measure that encourages entrepreneurs to make new hires," said Minister of State Bernier. "We are also looking to partner with the private sector to provide better access to venture capital investments for fast-growing Canadian start-up companies."

The measures proposed in Canada's Economic Action Plan 2012 provide Canadian businesses with a sense of stability and predictability, allowing them to grow, compete and create jobs.

In Canada, small businesses account for 98 percent of companies, employ 48 percent of working Canadians and contribute about 30 percent to our country's GDP, proving to be a strong economic driver.