My question is for the Associate Minister of Small Business. Small businesses are the backbone of Ontario’s economy and important job creators in our communities, but sadly, many are often operating on tight margins.

Speaker, not only is the carbon tax creating greater hardship for many small businesses, but many are feeling additional financial pressure with the upcoming deadline for federal loan repayments. Unfortunately, the independent Liberals seem content to stand by as the federal government punishes businesses with more costs. Instead of standing up for Ontario’s entrepreneurs, who are struggling because of the regressive carbon tax, they once again voted no to any measure that calls for its repeal.

Speaker, can the associate minister please share more information about how the carbon tax is negatively impacting Ontario’s small businesses?

Speaker, can the associate minister please explain how our government is supporting small businesses across our great province?