Chender supports small, local businesses, commits to real buy local program

HALIFAX – Today, Claudia Chender announced the NDP’s plan to support small business in Nova Scotia.

A New Democrat government will cut the small business tax from 2.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent, and work with local businesses to create an inclusive buy local program that will allow entrepreneurs, rather than corporations, to thrive.

“Small businesses are what drive Nova Scotia’s economy. They employ our friends and neighbours. They bring in tourists and locals alike. And the money spent at small businesses is circulated in our local economy, instead of being poured into the pockets of rich CEOs,” said Chender. “We need small businesses, but they’re being left behind. An NDP government will reverse that.”

As part of the Houston government’s Nova Scotia Loyal program, Sobeys was awarded a $950,000 cheque, in a deal that sees Nova Scotians getting slightly more Scene+ points on some purchases.

“Small businesses have been needing more support for years. What has Tim Houston done? Give almost $1 million to a huge national grocery chain. Our entrepreneurs and local businesses deserve better,” said Chender. “An NDP government would cancel this contract with Sobeys immediately. Instead of handing your tax dollars over to a massive corporation, New Democrats are committed to supporting and investing in our local economy, and the small businesses that define this province.”

New Democrats will cancel the Scene+ point contract and work collaboratively with local businesses to build a program that supports and incentivizes Nova Scotians to buy local.

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