Minister of State for Small Business Hosts Economic Consultation with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 8, 2011) - Today, the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), hosted an economic consultation with Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) representatives from across Canada. This meeting is part of a series of discussions on how the next phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan will continue to shape the country's economic future in Budget 2011.

"Our government's top priority continues to be the economy," said Minister of State Moore. "As we work to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses are best positioned to drive the economy forward, today's consultations with the CFIB will be helpful in establishing what Canada's entrepreneurs need from this next phase of the Economic Action Plan."

"In this Year of the Entrepreneur, the CFIB is asking that the next federal budget contain measures to help encourage small business growth," said Catherine Swift, President and CEO of the CFIB. "We welcomed the Red Tape Reduction Commission and see it as a good first step in trying to tackle one of the biggest barriers to small business growth. However, there are many other measures from all across Canada that will be shared at this round table that would also help small businesses and spur economic growth," she added.

These economic consultations are part of a broader series of economic consultations being carried out by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and individual members of Parliament from coast to coast to coast.

As part of the government's efforts to listen to and consult with as many Canadians as possible, the government is also conducting online consultations. Those wishing to make a submission can do so by visiting Consulting with Canadians (www.fin.gc.ca/prebudget-prebudgetaire/1-eng.asp).