Tourism is a key driver of the Canadian economy, said Minister of Small Business and Tourism Bardish Chagger in a speech this afternoon.

That’s because most of Canada’s tourism businesses fall into the small business category—think about lodges, spas, wineries and small tour operators. And, he notes, small and medium-sized businesses are an important part of the economy, given they account for about 40% of GDP and employ 90% of the private sector workforce.

Chagger says the government “remains committed to helping [such] entrepreneurs become more productive, innovative and export-oriented.”

For more on small business, read:

Small biz tax cuts not off the table: Chagger

Millennials want to be long-term business owners

Small business won’t power economy in near-term: survey

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