Government of Canada's Trade Routes Program Helps Canadian Artisans Access International Markets
ABBOTSFORD, January 29, 2003 -- Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South -- Burnaby Herb Dhaliwal, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $50,000 for the Uniquely Canada project, through the Trade Routes program. Developed by Impact Communications Ltd., the Uniquely Canada project offers export preparedness and market development support to small and medium crafts organizations."The Government of Canada is committed to help the arts and cultural sectors take full advantage of rapidly expanding international business opportunities," said Minister Copps. "The Trade Routes funding will help Canadian artisans to improve their skills and to raise their profile nationally and internationally."
This funding will allow artists to have their products and services adjudicated by export professionals. The entrepreneurs can then develop their products and services to conform to international standards in order to better enter the global marketplace. New exhibitors will be selected for five Uniquely Canadian trade shows where they will meet a network of buyers and investors.
"Exporter preparedness tools are much needed by the crafts community," said Minister Dhaliwal. "Having access to sector-specific assistance such as the one given by the Uniquely Canada project is crucial to their capacity building and identification of export capabilities in order to target international markets successfully."
Since 1987, Impact Communications Ltd. has known international success. It is working actively with the private and public sectors in the areas of business development and exporter preparedness training, by using its Uniquely Canada initiative to help the Canadian crafts industry penetrate international markets. In 1989, Impact Communications Ltd. created the first juried Uniquely B.C. Creative Arts Show to assist home-based businesses market their products to wholesale buyers from around the world. The concept for the Uniquely Creative Arts Shows came out of a desire to help small businesses grow. The first trade show was an overwhelming success, and led to the growth of other Uniquely Creative Arts Shows in other major Canadian cities.
Further information on Trade Routes is available on the Department of Canadian Heritage Web site http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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