My question is to the Associate Minister of Small Business.

Under the previous Liberal government, supported by the NDP, businesses left our province in droves. In contrast, under the leadership of the Premier, our government has welcomed record levels of investment, job growth and businesses. It’s both unfortunate and sad that the independent Liberals and opposition NDP continue to sit on the sidelines, criticizing our businesses and voting no to measures that help make things better.

Small businesses in my riding have been vocal about the negative impact that increasing taxes and expanding red tape will have on affordability for all Ontarians.

Speaker, can the associate minister please explain the negative impacts of increasing taxes on our small businesses?

While the Ontario Liberals have doubled down on their claims that families and businesses are better off with less money in their pockets, we know that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Speaker, can the associate minister please elaborate on the consequences that increasing taxes, high interest rates and burdensome red tape will have on our small businesses?