“The government spent billions on a loan program for women starting businesses, but it gave out almost no loans. Why does the government care more about making big announcements than actually helping business owners?”

“Mr. Speaker, the women’s entrepreneurship loan fund was supposed to help women entrepreneurs access capital. After a three-year ATIP process, I found that one federally funded administrator received only 27 applications despite a federal target of 1,200, and another issued only 23 loans despite a target of 815. With over $7 billion in the program, Canadians should get better results. Why is the government measuring success by dollars spent and announcements made versus real results for our entrepreneurs who really need the support of the government?”

“Government documents back up what I said. Our productivity is falling behind, business owners struggle to borrow money, trade between provinces is blocked, and small businesses are not getting real tax relief. The government spends money without getting results. I want the minister to stop playing games and actually help small businesses.”

“Mr. Speaker, that is not a fair answer, because I have the documents from the minister’s department, which states what I just said in this House. Canada’s productivity continuing to lag its peers, and access to capital for women entrepreneurs, and all entrepreneurs, remains a top concern. In addition, we still do not have internal trade, key supply chains in western Canada are compromised, and there are no major tax reforms to meaningfully support existing small businesses in Canada, yet the government continues to shovel more money out the door without results or accountability. We can just think of the green slush fund. Will the minister stop the theatrics and actually deliver for our small businesses—”