QUESTION PERIOD — Industry
Canadian Businesses
February 3, 2026
I do hope your government stops going after our law-abiding, licensed firearm owners.
Recent data from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada show that 10% of small businesses have disappeared since the pandemic. Family-run businesses are being hit the hardest as uncertainty grows and meaningful government relief remains absent. Senator Moreau, these businesses are the largest job creators in the private sector, and they need our help. Conservatives have been and remain willing partners in sensible economic policy. Why won’t your government work with us to cut red tape, repeal job-killing laws and reward Canadians who build by supporting the Canadian sovereignty act?
The government has a plan, and I’ve answered this question many times regarding building the strongest economy in the G7 by investing in productivity and innovation and bringing more Canadians into the workforce. This will allow us to cut red tape. We are securing Canada’s artificial intelligence advantage; unlocking pension plan investments in Canada by removing the rule about owning more than 30% of the voting shares of Canadian entities; fully reinstating the accelerated investment incentive; and delivering a major economic investment tax credit. We are working with Canadians to ensure we build the strongest economy among the G7.
The fact is small businesses are still suffering. We have the Canadian sovereignty act ready for us to adopt. Your government’s inaction is hurting Canada’s small‑ and medium-sized enterprises. Unlike what you have stated, the Prime Minister cannot govern by rhetoric alone. Every day, trade talks with the United States stall, internal trade barriers remain, job-killing regulations stay on the books and more small businesses struggle or shut their doors. Will you support the Canadian sovereignty act?
Specifically with regard to small businesses, as I mentioned, the government is helping them by reducing red tape; improving access to financing, notably by extending the Business Development Bank of Canada, or BDC, loans of up to $5 million to small businesses; providing $500 million to BDC so that small businesses can access resources and insight that will lead to their success; and implementing the productivity super‑deduction to help small businesses write off new equipment costs, so I think we are quite aware —
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
