FOR RELEASE     #05-318
December 2, 2005

BIZPAL – A NEW INFORMATION TOOL FOR BUSINESS AND INVESTORS

WHITEHORSE - Business Permits and Licences (BizPaL), a pilot-project for on-line business information service, is being publicly launched in Whitehorse today.

BizPaL is a web-based service that will allow business clients and investors to easily generate a customized list of all government permits and licences needed to start up a business enterprise anywhere in the Yukon.

"BizPaL not only provides information on which permits and licenses are required but also, in many cases, you can download the forms directly off the web site," the minister responsible for Consumer and Safety Services, Glenn Hart said. "This is a great tool for starting a new business or expanding an existing one, and it is also delivering even more efficient government service."

The BizPaL system in the Yukon was developed with Industry Canada's support and leading role, in collaboration with City of Kamloops, Province of British Columbia; Region of Halton, Province of Ontario; the Yukon government and the City of Whitehorse.  Local participation included the Village of Teslin, the Town of Watson Lake, the Town of Faro, the Village of Carmacks, the Village of Mayo, the City of Dawson and the Town of Haines Junction.

"The Yukon is first to go live on this cutting-edge information network," City of Whitehorse Mayor Ernie Bourassa said. "Working with our local business community, Association of Yukon Communities, the Yukon government and Industry Canada, we are providing the leading edge business tools that will help to stimulate further economic growth in Whitehorse and the rest of the Yukon."

The BizPaL service is available by visiting www.bizpal.ca and www.bizpal.gov.yk.ca and www.city.whitehorse.yk.ca site.

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