Minister Chagger wraps up week-long celebration of Canada's small businesses

Each year, more than 10,000 businesses celebrate BDC Small Business Week at events across Canada

OTTAWA, Oct. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to supporting small businesses as they work to innovate, create jobs and grow the middle class. This was the message that the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, delivered throughout BDC Small Business Week.

Over the course of the week, Minister Chagger participated in a number of events, including a launch celebration at Facebook Canada's headquarters on Monday, where she hosted a panel discussion on how businesses can adapt for the modern economy.

The Minister then joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Bill Morneau to announce the government's plan to reduce the small business tax rate to 9 percent by January 1, 2019, as the government takes steps to make Canada's tax system fairer for all Canadians.

Later in the week, Minister Chagger kicked off Startup Canada Day on the Hill and then joined a panel discussion on how to build an economy that works for everyone. She also delivered opening remarks at the Startup Canada Awards ceremony.

She ended the week in Waterloo where she and Minister Morneau made an announcement that provided new details on the government's tax fairness proposals, relating to venture capital and angel investors. The government is taking real action to support innovation throughout the economy and is committed to working with these investors to ensure that they continue to support and drive innovation.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Small Business Week—held this year from October 15 to 21—provides Canadian business owners with opportunities to learn, network and grow their businesses through conferences, workshops and trade fairs held across Canada.

Quotes

"Small businesses are the creators of jobs and growth in communities large and small, from coast to coast to coast. And our government strongly supports these hard-working small business owners as they do what they do best. I want to commend the BDC for organizing yet another great Small Business Week and for supporting small businesses all year long. For nearly 40 years, Canada's small business community has benefitted from the week-long learning and networking opportunities offered during Small Business Week. This week has been especially meaningful, as we announced the reduction of the small business tax rate to 9 percent by 2019. This is an important commitment in my mandate letter, and I am happy to see that small businesses will save up to $7,500 as a result."
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

Quick facts

• Every year, during the third week of October, the BDC organizes Small Business Week to celebrate and promote Canada's entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Small and medium-sized firms account for more than 99 out of every 100 Canadian companies.
• Each year, more than 10,000 business people celebrate BDC Small Business Week at events right across Canada.

Associated links

• BDC Small Business Week

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT
Instagram: minofsbt

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada