MCNEIL ANNOUNCES MICROCREDIT LENDING PROGRAM
Date: Thursday May 7, 2009

Stephen McNeil
Liberal Leader

(Halifax, NS) Liberal leader Stephen McNeil unveiled his party’s
plans for a micro-credit lending program for Nova Scotia’s small
businesses at The Futon Store on Young Street in Halifax this morning.

The Liberal leader stressed that accessing capital is a major hurdle
for small business owners and having micro-credit loans of up to
$25,000 available through Nova Scotia Business Inc. will ease that burden.

“Micro-credit is the right-sized solution for Nova Scotia’s small
businesses,” says McNeil. “Often their needs are small and simply
do not fit the criteria for traditional financial lending institutions. By
focusing on small business, which employs half of all Nova Scotians, we
can make a real difference in this economic downturn and beyond.”

“This Liberal idea is really about positioning Nova Scotia to thrive
in the new economy that will emerge at the end of this downturn,”
McNeil states.

McNeil was critical of the NDP and the MacDonald Tories for ignoring
the needs of small business and not understanding the important role
the
sector will play in the province’s recovery.

“The NDP don’t have any new ideas for small business,” said
McNeil. “They want to revive a manufacturer’s tax credit - a
failed policy which could actually reduce jobs. The Tories simply
don’t have a plan. They are willing let small business wait until
2011.”

“As someone who once ran a small business, I understand how
challenging it can be - and how rewarding,” explained McNeil.

“Let’s give our small business owners more than lip-service.
Let’s give them the tools they need to create jobs for Nova Scotia
and invest in their businesses.”

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For further information, contact
Glennie Langille
(902) 471-5995
glennie@liberal.ns.ca