Minister of State Rob Moore Meets with Small Business Leaders in Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia, August 27, 2010 — The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), today held a business roundtable meeting in Victoria. The Minister of State discussed challenges facing business owners and the leading role the federal government is playing to help position Canadian small businesses for success.

 “Small businesses are a key driver of the Canadian economy, and our government is committed to providing them with the best possible environment in which to do business,” said Minister of State Moore.

The Minister of State highlighted the government’s efforts to cut red tape, emphasizing the successful 20-percent reduction in paperwork burden for small businesses. He also assured business leaders that the government would be continuing these efforts.

“Business has told us of the compliance burden it faces. We have listened and are taking action,” continued Minister of State Moore. “In year two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we announced the creation of a Red Tape Reduction Commission. This initiative is an important step toward reducing the regulatory burden on Canadian businesses.”

As the tourism industry is a primary economic driver in Victoria and on Vancouver Island, much time was also spent discussing the development of the Federal Tourism Strategy (FTS). An FTS framework was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in June 2009 to help strengthen Canada’s economy, as the tourism sector grows and creates new jobs for Canadian workers.

“The right strategy will help strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the tourism sector here on Vancouver Island and across Canada,” said Minister of State Moore. “It will build on the momentum of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which invests in projects to upgrade parks, historic sites, recreational trails, festivals and events, and the domestic and international marketing of Canada as a top tourism destination.”

Further details on the FTS will be announced in the coming months.

Also on the tourism front, the Minister of State spoke about the importance of the arrival of the first official tour groups from China last week in Vancouver. In June 2010, Prime Minister Stephen Harper witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to implement Approved Destination Status (ADS). ADS allows Canada to market directly to Chinese consumers. This designation will result in more people travelling from China to Canada and will have a positive impact on the Canadian economy.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Sean Phelan
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-797-7965

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502