Business groups write to Harper seeking federal help

Some leading Canadian industries want the federal government to help tide them over until the economy improves.

Forty-three groups signed a letter sent to Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday asking for help, including lines of credit and loan guarantees, so they could avoid more manufacturing plant closings and layoffs.

The letter says the economy will bounce back, "but in the meantime, Canadian businesses need to raise additional credit to maintain operations."

The groups also want tax cuts, changes in regulations and more help from two federal agencies, the Business Development Bank and Export Development Canada.

The federal government recently allocated the export agency an extra $2 billion. But media reports said the government also recently turned down an appeal for more money from the auto-parts companies.

The letter to Harper was signed by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters and the Forest Products Association of Canada, among others.

With files from the Canadian Press

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