Small Business

Question period exchanges on support for small businesses. The Conservatives said one in five small businesses is in weak or critical condition, argued costs need to come down, cited $150 billion in proposed spending cuts, and pointed to a women’s entrepreneurship loan fund that reached only a small share of its application and loan targets. The Liberals pointed to a new tax measure letting businesses fully expense investments in the first year, help for businesses affected by trade disputes, and a plan for women entrepreneurs they said has helped 600,000 women; one Liberal member also noted summer consultations focused on women entrepreneurship and offered to work with members on local businesses.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text (opens in a new tab)

2 statements

Brad Vis, Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford

Conservative
“One in five small businesses is in bad shape, and they need lower costs. We found $150 billion in government spending to cut. Will the government cut more outside consultants to save Canadians money?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, one in five small businesses are in weak or critical condition. They are calling on the government to lower costs and improve small business competitiveness. Conservatives have identified over $150 billion in savings that could lower the overall tax burden for Canadians and small businesses. To save Canadians money, will the government consider expanding its plan to cut unnecessary consultants who do not provide value for money?

Brad Vis, Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford

Conservative
“A program meant to help women start businesses failed to meet its targets, even after getting millions of dollars. The government should stop wasting money on consultants. Instead, it should cut taxes and help small businesses directly.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, let me give an example. The women entrepreneurship loan fund was supposed to help women start and grow their businesses. After filing an ATIP that took 915 days to receive, I learned that the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada met only 6% of application targets and 7% of loan targets, despite receiving millions of dollars from Canadians. Canadians expect results from their taxpayer dollars, not more spending on consultants. Why will the government not cut taxes, help entrepreneurs and save money for Canadians and our small businesses?

Discussion

No comments yet

See the full discussion

Comment rules

More from sitting 140

  1. PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS National Framework on Skilled Trades and Labour Mobility Act 6 statements
  2. Government Orders Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act 54 statements
  3. Oral Questions Public Safety 2 statements
  4. Oral Questions Canadian Identity and Culture 5 statements
  5. Oral Questions The Economy 6 statements
  6. Oral Questions Taxation 2 statements
  7. Oral Questions Air Transportation 4 statements
  8. Oral Questions The Economy 5 statements
  9. Oral Questions Housing 4 statements
  10. Oral Questions Seniors 2 statements
  11. Oral Questions The Economy 2 statements
  12. Oral Questions International Trade 20 statements
  13. Oral Questions Automotive Industry 5 statements
  14. Oral Questions The Economy 6 statements
  15. Government Orders Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act 35 statements
  16. Oral Questions The Economy 10 statements
  17. Government Orders Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act 36 statements
  18. Oral Questions Rail Transportation 2 statements
  19. Oral Questions Small Business 4 statements
  20. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements
  21. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements
  22. Oral Questions Labour 2 statements
  23. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements