Rob at the discussion with members and representatives of the business community

Minister Rob Moore Holds Roundtable Discussion on Small Business

February 3, 2010 -- Toronto, Ontario -- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism today held a successful roundtable discussion on important small business issues.

Minister Moore led a roundtable discussion with industry associations that represent small businesses and met with leaders of successful small and medium sized enterprises. This included representatives from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Toronto Board of Trade.

"We all know how important small businesses are to our economy. They innovate, generate wealth, create jobs and help provide a good standard of living," said Minister Moore. "Small business is a priority for our government, and an important part of my job is to make sure that we have the right conditions for business to succeed. That is why our government has taken a number of measures to support small businesses."

The Government of Canada is supporting small and-medium sized businesses, which are the backbone of the Canadian economy, accounting for 98 percent of all businesses in Canada. Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working to help stimulate the economy and small and medium-sized businesses drive our economic success. Funding provided through Canada’s Economic Action Plan is being used to provide business information services through the Canada Business Network. In addition, the Government of Canada has introduced a number of initiatives to help businesses innovate, create jobs and generate wealth in every region across the country.

The federal government is also holding economic roundtable sessions with business and community leaders to hear their views about the development and implementation of Canada’s Economic Action Plan and future opportunities to maintain a strong Canadian economy.

The consultation process allows the government and Canadians to look towards the future and determine what steps should be taken to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian economy. The government is seeking input from Canadians across the country to ensure that Canada continues to attract investment and create jobs.

The Government of Canada will complete a series of consultations across the country in preparation for the federal budget, which is scheduled to be tabled on March 4.

All Canadians can share their views on these issues as well as any other ideas they care to submit at www.fin.gc.ca/prebudget

Rob Moore is Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism and the MP for Fundy Royal.
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William Spisso
Special Assistant - Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore, MP (Fundy Royal)
Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism
(613) 996-2316