Economic Action Plan 2015 delivers for Canadian families and communities: Leitch

Minister Leitch highlights Economic Action Plan 2015 in speech to Whitby Chamber of Commerce

WHITBY, ON, April 30, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, spoke to the Whitby Chamber of Commerce about Economic Action Plan (EAP) 2015, the issues pertinent to her portfolio and other measures that will benefit all Canadians.

Minister Leitch spoke about important Government of Canada initiatives introduced in EAP 2015 such as the Family Tax Cut, the doubling of Tax-Free Savings Account contribution limits, enhanced support for small businesses and benefits to improve the lives of Canada's seniors and people with disabilities. The Minister also highlighted changes to the Canada Labour Code that would ensure greater job protection for people who care for ailing loved ones.

She also spoke about measures in EAP 2015 that support women in business through the Action Plan for Women Entrepreneurs and the modernization of Canada's federal corporate governance frame by introducing amendments to the Canada Business Corporations Act that will increase women's participation in corporate leadership.

Minister Leitch also highlighted the importance of measures that the Government is introducing to help families prosper. These measures include enhancements to the Universal Child Care Benefit and improvements to the Child Care Expenses Deduction and the Children's Fitness Tax Credit.

Quick Facts

• Economic Action Plan 2015 is a balanced budget that will provide benefits to hard-working Canadian families, seniors and business owners while keeping Canada on track to create jobs, promote growth and foster long‑term economic prosperity.
• The Action Plan for Women Entrepreneurs will help women entrepreneurs succeed through increased access to credit, mentoring and international markets.
• Key initiatives under this Action Plan include an online platform to foster networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs, the "Starts with One: Be Her Champion" campaign to encourage mentorships and championing, enhanced trade missions for companies led by women entrepreneurs and an investment of $700 million over three years by the Business Development Bank of Canada to finance women-owned business.
• The Universal Child Care Benefit would increase to up to $1,920 per year for children under the age of 6, and parents would receive a benefit of up to $720 per year for each child aged 6 through 17.

Quote

"Our Government is committed to keeping Canada on track to long-term economic growth and prosperity. Economic Action Plan 2015 presents Canadians with a balanced budget while still providing measures to benefit them, their families and their communities. EAP 2015 also supports Canadian women by giving them the tools they need to grow their businesses and achieve further success in leadership roles."
– The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

Associated Links

Canada's Economic Action Plan
Helping Families Prosper

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada