OTTAWA – Liberal Small Business Critic Joyce Murray made the following statement at the start of Small Business Week, which runs from October 14 to 20.
“Small Business Week is a time to recognize the enormous contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs, who drive local economies and keep our communities strong. Small businesses make up 98 percent of all companies in Canada, account for 40 per cent of our GDP, and regularly account for more than half of all news jobs in Canada. Truly, small businesses are the engines of our economy.
Many of Canada’s entrepreneurs I have met with continue to experience significant challenges that are being exacerbated by recent government policies. Retailers in our border communities have had to watch customers cross into the United States, because our government didn’t take their needs into account when it increased personal exemption rates. Businesses across the country are being discouraged from hiring new employees because the government’s increasing payroll taxes add to their bottom line. And our tourism businesses have lost 30 per cent of their international customers since 2006 because the government has slashed Canada’s international marketing budget and added other barriers to tourism traffic. Times are tough enough for small businesses and the government must ensure that its policies support rather than undermine small business success.
I was an entrepreneur and business owner for many years before running for public office, so I know how much dedication, creativity, and optimism it takes to succeed. This week, I invite all Canadians to join me in congratulating and supporting everyone who owns, runs, or works in a small business for their immeasurable contributions to Canadian life.”
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For more information contact:
Office of Joyce Murray
613-992-2430
604-664-9220
