Minister Tim Uppal Hosts Roundtable Discussion with the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce on Economic Action Plan 2014: the Road to Balance

Toronto, ON – The Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Multiculturalism hosted a roundtable meeting with the executive of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce to discuss the recent Federal Budget - The Road to Balance: Creating Jobs and Opportunities tabled on February 11, 2014.

“With Economic Action Plan 2014, our Conservative Government remains focused on what matters to Canadian families and businesses – creating jobs, opportunities and economic growth,” said Minister Uppal. “Our Government recognizes the vital role small businesses play in the economy and job creation – that’s why we are committed to helping them grow and succeed.”

Economic Action Plan 2014 will cut the red tape burden on Canadian businesses, implement the Canada Jobs Grant and support internships in small businesses.

“The government has reduced the tax compliance burden for small and medium-sized businesses and has maintained the freeze on Employment Insurance premium rates to help provide certainty and flexibility for employers, especially small businesses,” said Mr. Naval Bajaj, President of Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. “It is heartening to note that the government has continued with its various programs to support small businesses.”

While the NDP and Liberals had been publicly calling for the federal budget to include new tax hikes on Canadians and increase deficit spending, our Government rejected both demands. Instead, Economic Action Plan 2014 contains no new taxes on families and businesses, while also ensuring government spending is as efficient and effective as possible.

“From my discussion with business leaders today the message was clear, businesses balance their budgets and they expect the same from the Government,” stated Minister Uppal. “Our Government is on track to balance the budget while keeping taxes low and protecting the programs and services Canadians count on.”

The deficit is expected to decline to $[2.9] billion in 2014-15, followed by a surplus of [$6.4] billion in 2015-16, after taking into account $3 billion in annual adjustment for risk.

StarBuzzOnline.com