Minister Clement Talks Red Tape with Vancouver Business Leaders in the Lead-Up to the Budget

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 22, 2013) - The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, today met with members of the Business Council of British Columbia and the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce to discuss priorities for creating jobs and growth. Minister Clement was joined at the Chamber of Commerce round table by Andrew Saxton, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver.

"Our Government is committed to ensuring Canadian businesses are competitive and equipped to do what they do best: innovate, invest, grow, and create jobs," said Minister Clement. "By consulting with local business leaders, our Government is tapping into their vast knowledge and experience to learn first-hand what they need to prosper in the long term."

Minister Clement highlighted the Government's commitment to cutting red tape for business as part of its Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, one of the most far-reaching red tape-cutting exercises in the world today. In January, three new red tape initiatives were announced that will generate about $10 million in annual savings for Canadian businesses.

"These initiatives show how Canadian businesses are experiencing real savings through our Government's efforts to cut red tape," said Parliamentary Secretary Saxton. "Given the current global economic uncertainty, it's more important than ever that Canadian business can operate in a climate of predictability, transparency, and accountability."

The Government of Canada, which has instituted significant ongoing annual savings through a strategic review of government operations, also continues to look for ways to support jobs and growth while returning to balanced budgets by the end of this Parliament.

"Prudent public finances are the solid foundation we need to ensure a healthy economy," Minister Clement added. "We are consulting with Canadians to get their input on fiscally responsible measures the Government can take to support jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity."

Today's round-table discussions are part of a consultation taking place across the country. The Government is asking Canadians for suggestions on how to strengthen the economy in the current challenging fiscal environment, and how to increase our competitiveness and long-term prosperity.

In addition, the Government is conducting an online consultation to ensure that everyone who wants to participate can do so. For more information, visit the Finance Canada website.

If there is a discrepancy between any printed version and the electronic version of this news release, the electronic version will prevail.

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