OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 13, 2013) - The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), today met with small business members of the Orléans Chamber of Commerce at their Annual General Meeting. He underscored the work of Canadian entrepreneurs and highlighted the measures contained in the Harper Government's Economic Action Plan 2013 that support small and medium-sized enterprises.

"Entrepreneurs in Orléans and across Canada need the right conditions in place for businesses to succeed," said Minister of State Bernier. "That's why our government is reducing red tape, opening new markets and keeping taxes low, while balancing the budget by 2015."

During the meeting, the Minister of State highlighted the next steps the Harper Government would take to build on its low-tax and growth-friendly policies. Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering for small business entrepreneurs by proposing to extend and expand the Hiring Credit for Small Business, increasing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption and aligning job training with the needs of employers.

The Minister of State also noted that the Harper Government's Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, which contains 90 common sense reforms, will make it easier for entrepreneurs to do business with regulators, thereby increasing predictability for small businesses in Canada.

"Small businesses are the economic engines that drive Canada," said Minister of State Bernier. "With lower taxes and more money in the pockets of entrepreneurs to innovate, invest and expand, Canadian small businesses are positioned to create jobs and growth for our communities."

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