QUESTION PERIOD — Finance
Support for Small Businesses
November 6, 2025
Government leader, small businesses across Canada were hoping for meaningful tax relief in the 2025 federal budget. They were especially hoping for a reduction in the small business corporate tax rate to free up capital for investment, jobs and innovation. Yet, the budget offered mostly re-announcements and no substantive changes.
Leader, why has this government failed to deliver the tax relief that our small-business sector desperately needs, and when will it finally stop treating small-business owners as an afterthought in favour of political spending?
I listened recently to the declarations of representatives from the small-business sector, particularly in Quebec, and they were quite happy with Budget 2025. I am not aware that there is dissatisfaction.
When the government is trying to stimulate the economy to get our economy stronger, it benefits all Canadians. It benefits small, medium and large corporations. It benefits all Canadians and the future of Canada.
I disagree with the way you’re looking at the budget. We’ll have the opportunity to look meticulously into the budget measures in the coming weeks, and we’ll see whether the representatives of small businesses are as unhappy as you mentioned. But I don’t believe they are, because they know that the government cares about growing a strong economy.
Small businesses can benefit from every tax break. Across the country, they are shouldering a lot of burdens at this moment.
Leader, small firms know that today’s deficits become tomorrow’s taxes. While you continue to borrow and spend, you’re squeezing the lifeblood of the economy. Will your government commit to lowering the small business tax rate this year so that Canada’s entrepreneurs can invest rather than just survive?
Respectfully, you will have to talk to your colleague. Just a few minutes ago, he asked questions because he thought that the government is not spending enough. You have to agree within your own group.
The government said that we will spend less and invest more. What part of that proposition are you against?
