Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak today about access to capital by small business. From 1979 to 1989, small business created 87 per cent of the new jobs in the country.
Small business is the key to future job creation.
In order for existing small businesses to grow and new businesses to develop, we need to ensure that they have adequate access to capital. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry is holding hearings to determine what government can do to increase the flow of capital to small business. We will be looking at what role the banks play in small business financing as well as new sources of financing. I salute all small business owners throughout the country. There is a tremendous sense of goodwill by all parties on our committee to find solutions.