For Immediate Release
WINNIPEG, MB – After consulting with local business leaders in Winnipeg, it is clear that the federal government needs to better support entrepreneurs and small businesses, according to Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra and Liberal critic for Small Business, Tourism, and Western Economic Diversification (WED).
“I was delighted to be back in Winnipeg, where I haven’t been since the federal provincial meetings I attended as British Columbia’s Environment Minister,” said Murray. “I was inspired by the dedication and collaborations between local entrepreneurs who are striving to create a vibrant business community. I came to meet with them to discuss the role of federal policies in fostering the conditions for growth and jobs.”
While in Winnipeg, MP Murray met with a range of industries, including film production, construction, and environmental consulting, and invited groups such as the Manitoba Filipino Business Council to offer their input. Murray also met with the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce on the eve of their Annual General Meeting.
“One of the recurring themes I heard was the importance of having regulations that make sense. Too often, the same regulations and programs apply to large corporations as for small businesses. To create jobs and growth, the federal government needs to gear programs for the day-to-day realities of entrepreneurs, who are the real engines of Canada’s economy,” said Murray.
Murray also heard that the government’s hikes to EI payroll taxes are hurting businesses and that its measures to reduce Red Tape are proving insufficient. Local leaders also stressed the need to tackle the growing “skills/jobs” mismatch, and to help small businesses deal with the lost income from increases in cross-border shopping.
According to local MP Kevin Lamoureux, who represents Winnipeg North, “It is important that we continue to nurture and support our small businesses to ensure that local jobs are sustainable. Local businesses play a vital role in creating jobs that cater to regional needs.”
Murray ended her visit by delivering a keynote address to a local community organization. She said she now looks forward to communicating the feedback of Winnipeg’s business leaders to the Parliament of Canada in Ottawa.
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For more information contact:
Office of Joyce Murray
613-992-2430
604-664-9220
