Despite new evidence of a rebounding economy, the prime minister says his government will go ahead with controversial tax reforms.

The Finance Department says the Liberals ran a smaller deficit than it forecast in the spring budget, which Justin Trudeau says is a sign their plan to grow the economy through helping the middle class is working.

Yet he’s sticking by a plan to eliminate tax provisions used by small businesses, arguing it’s part of his commitment to increase fairness.

Trudeau says he’ll take the feedback from consultations, that end October 2, into account to make sure the proposed changes do not penalize middle-class farmers or small business owners.

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer calls the Liberal plan a tax hike that would see local businesses pay more.

”There’s nothing fair about targeting local business.”

Scheer’s launched an online campaign, SaveLocalBusiness.ca, to reach out to Canadians and ask them show their support for local businesses in their community.