Elizabeth May tables bill in support of small business

OTTAWA – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP (Saanich – Gulf Islands), today tabled her latest Private Member’s Bill, the Creation of the Small Business Impact Assessment Act, as part of the Green Party’s plan to support Canadian small businesses.

“Employing more than 60 percent of Canadians, small businesses are vital to the Canadian economy,” Ms. May said. “Small and medium sized enterprises are the real job creators. Supporting small business builds a whole value chain strengthening Canada’s economy.”

Elizabeth May continued, “My bill would ensure that the federal government supports and promotes small businesses by establishing a mandatory review process to consider the impacts of legislation on small businesses.”

Elizabeth May’s bill would amend the Department of Industry Act to establish a mandatory review of the potential impact any proposed government bill or regulation would have on small businesses.

A Small Business Impact Assessment would consider how changes to regulations and legislation would impact

• Small businesses’ ability to seek financial assistance
• Conditions for investments in and by small businesses
• Small businesses’ ability to participate in a competitive marketplace
• The long-term viability and sustainability of small businesses

Deputy Leader Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay – Superior North), who seconded the bill, added, “Small businesses are the most important economic engines of Canada; they create thousands of jobs, technologies, and ideas. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, small businesses are also much more likely to keep employees during tough times than larger businesses. “As a legislator and a businessperson, I have an obligation to support and promote them, which is why I am proud to second Elizabeth May’s bill.”

Sign on to show your support for Elizabeth May’s “Think Small First” legislation, which will create a Canadian economy where sustainable small businesses can not only compete, but thrive.

Read Bill C-682: Creation of Small Business Impact Assessment Act

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