Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

On April 18, 2016, Alice Wong asked two questions in the House of Commons on the topic of Small Business.

The following is a transcript:

Hon. Alice Wong (Richmond Centre, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister of Small Business and Tourism told us to look at the budget with regard to small businesses, so let us do that.

The fact is the Liberals dismissed recommendations from the finance committee and ignored recommendations from small business owners. The minister claims to be working with stakeholders, but recent history shows there is no sense in trusting what Liberals say.

When will the minister stop hiding behind empty promises and stand up for small business owners?

Hon. Bardish Chagger (Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, I have been working closely with small business owners and stakeholders across this nation. Since being put in this post, I have met with almost 250 stakeholders, small business owners, and the people who work hard for them. Our budget actually supports small businesses.

We are listening to Canadians. We are listening to small business owners. That is what we will continue to do.

Hon. Alice Wong (Richmond Centre, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, the minister’s mandate letter tells her what her priorities are. One of them is, “Work with the Minister of Finance as the small business tax rate reduction is implemented”.

Could the Minister of Small Business and Tourism explain why the finance minister ignored her and instead raised taxes on small businesses?

Hon. Bardish Chagger (Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, this government is taking a whole-of-government approach. We work very closely with each other. Part of working together is listening to each other and engaging in difficult conversations.

I work closely with the Minister of Finance. We have consultations and discussions every day. We are not just listening to each other, we are listening to Canadians and small business owners, because we need to ensure that they have the robust economy that they need, and that is what we will do.

Filed under: Parliament, Small Business, Video