Claude DeBellefeuille, Bloc Québécois MP for Salaberry-Suroît, deplores the fact that businesses in the riding are falling victim to the federal government's lack of consideration.

The MP says she has raised the issue of the repayment terms of the Business Emergency Account with the Minister, Ms. Rechie Valdez, who is still slow to offer our entrepreneurs room to maneuver.

Ms. DeBellefeuille denounces the fact that the assistance program offers no flexibility for companies experiencing problems. "I'm faced with some frankly pathetic cases. For example, a local company doesn't have access to the loan-to-grant remission provided for in the program, simply because some numbers have been reversed in its business number. The company qualifies, is entitled to the subsidy, but can't access it because of an administrative problem. Worse still, it's impossible to change the decision in their file," explains Ms. DeBellefeuille.

For several months now, the Bloc Québécois has been hammering away at the need for a dedicated line for businesses. "It's the least we can do. This kind of problem should be resolved with adequate customer service. I don't understand how the Minister can tolerate this kind of situation," she says.

Every week in the House of Commons, the elected members of the Bloc Québécois plead in favor of SMEs, the backbone of the Quebec economy. "Economic recovery is not happening at the same pace for everyone.We're being told that a wind of bankruptcy is blowing across Quebec's SMEs.This is serious news. It's time for the government to change its approach and offer companies in need repayment terms they can respect," concludes the MNA for Salaberry-Suroît.