Banff-Airdrie, MP Blake Richards thought there was no better week than 'Small Business Week' to check in with members of our local Chamber of Commerce as well as small business owners to discuss issues that affect them.

Invited to host a roundtable discussion by the Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce this afternoon (October 19), Richards says he is quite concerned about the growing gap between Canada and the US market, in particular. "What we are seeing in Canada is more small businesses hit with taxes all the time; whether it be the carbon tax, payroll tax, changes to small business tax rules that are making it harder, or regulation continuing to increase in Canada. While in the United States they are doing the exact opposite. They are lowering the tax burden on small businesses, they are lowering the government red tape, and that to me is the real concern. We are seeing more investment going into the United Staes and less of it coming from there into Canada, so I want to talk about that."

Richards makes no bone about it, he feels business owners are under attack. "With the provincial minimum wage increases and the regulation and tax increases at the federal level, it is just harder and harder for businesses to keep the doors open and make a profit. Obviously, when we are putting our businesses in a spot like that it's going to have a huge impact on jobs, opportunity, and for our economy to continue to be successful."

Recognizing the challenging economic issues facing small business owners, as well as a mountain of government regulation, MP Richards wants to discuss ways in which federally he can help. "The goal is you are always looking to get feedback, suggestions, ideas and hear what people are thinking."

With MP Blake Richards recently being appointed Shadow Cabinet Minister for Small Business, Export Promotion and Tourism, he has spent lots of time talking to business owners all across the country. "I am not finding out anything incredibly new but I am starting to get a better sense on how much of a problem these things are. I have been pretty much right across Canada in the last couple of months meeting with Chambers of Commerce and business owners all across the country and having an opportunity to do that I have realized how broad the problem is."

Lowering business tax and looking closely at regulations and restrictions placed on small business owners will remain Richards top priority. "I would like to have us really look at the red tap burden we put on small businesses. So looking at ways that we can reduce some of that burden because small businesses are disproportionately affected by government red tape while large corporations have regulatory compliance divisions. Does it mean it doesn't impact those businesses?! Of course not. But it has a hugely disproportionate impact on small business because it means a business owner is having to do those things. Which means that is less time spent growing the business, serving customers and mentoring employees, and all those things help to make a business succeed."

If you would like to receive updates from MP Blake Richards regarding Tariffs, NAFTA and small business concerns, you are invited to drop by the Cochrane Alliance Church between 2 and 4:30 this afternoon (October 19).

Lastly, MP Blake Richards states if you can't make it out today, don't hesitate to call, Facebook message or contact him through his website HERE.  "I am always open to feedback, suggestions, and ideas so fire them my way."