Ottawa, February 6, 2013—Today, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), will deliver a keynote address at the 10th Anniversary and Annual Business and Professional Achievement Awards Gala of Ottawa's Canadian-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Minister of State will highlight the government's recent efforts to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) by cutting red tape, providing greater access to venture capital, opening new markets and keeping taxes low.

"Our government is committed to ensuring the most efficient use of Canadian taxpayers' dollars while creating the best business environment possible for our entrepreneurs," says Minister of State Bernier. "We want to help entrepreneurs do what they do best: create jobs, wealth and long-term prosperity in Canada."

The Harper Government recently launched the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan. This far reaching, whole-of-government initiative includes 90 reforms, which range from tax and payroll to labour, transport and cross-border trade. By cutting red tape, this plan will save entrepreneurs time and money, making it easier for them to do business with regulators and improving service and predictability for small businesses in Canada.

Additionally, the BizPaL program was extended and continues to provide a one-stop shop for business licences and permits at all three levels of government. Nine provinces, three territories and 650 municipalities Canada-wide now participate in the program.

"Our government is ensuring that Canada's finances are sustainable over the long term," says Minister of State Bernier. "Our government's objective is to return to balanced budgets by the end of this Parliament without raising taxes on individuals or businesses."

In Canada, SMEs account for 99 percent of companies, employ 60 percent of working Canadians and contribute about 40 percent to the GDP, proving to be economic drivers and important sources of job creation.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Scott French

Director of Communications

Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier

Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)

613-943-6183

Media Relations

Industry Canada

613-943-2502