The Honourable Diane Ablonczy Celebrates Small Business Week 2008

OTTAWA, October 24, 2008 — Small Business Week 2008 provided an excellent opportunity to recognize and to celebrate the contribution of small businesses to Canada's economy and society.

Canada is a nation of entrepreneurs who have long achieved success at home and abroad with innovative products and services that enrich our everyday lives. Their leadership, energy and creativity bring growth and prosperity to our communities and to our country as a whole. Small business is big business in Canada — 98 percent of all our businesses are small and medium sized. They are the backbone of our economy.

That is why our government has made ongoing efforts to support the start-up and growth of small businesses by reducing corporate taxes and red tape and providing help with challenges such as financing, protecting intellectual property and dealing with permits and licences.

The Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), a former business owner, would like to thank all of the hard-working Canadian entrepreneurs whose willingness to take risks to be successful brings value and benefit to us all.

To conclude Small Business Week 2008, all Canadians are encouraged to applaud the contribution of small businesses to the quality of life in Canada.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Catherine Godbout
Office of the Honourable Diane Ablonczy
Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-943-6183

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502