Minister Chagger concludes visit to Washington

Meetings focused on tapping into the potential of women business owners and suppliers in integrated Canada-U.S. economies

April 4, 2017 – Washington, D.C.

Women represent tremendous potential for our economy. With greater support, women-led businesses can enter the world stage and compete and win there. They can boost our economic growth and create more well-paying jobs for Canadians and Americans.

Drawing on recommendations by the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders, Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, which was announced in Budget 2018, will address barriers facing female entrepreneurs and will empower women to take an equal place on the global entrepreneurship stage.

The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, has wrapped up a successful visit to Washington, D.C., focused on enhancing Canada-U.S. cooperation on women’s economic empowerment.

Minister Chagger met with her counterpart, Linda McMahon, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, to discuss ways Canada and the U.S. can further our cooperation on support for women entrepreneurs, as recommended by the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders.

She also participated in a fireside chat, hosted by global incubator 1776, on supporting women business owners in Canada and the United States.

While in Washington, Minister Chagger received the Outstanding Government Leader Award from WeConnect International—a global network that connects women-owned businesses to qualified buyers around the world—for her deep commitment to women’s economic empowerment and public-private partnerships.

During the trip, Minister Chagger also participated in a series of bilateral discussions with business representatives on small business issues, women entrepreneurship and NAFTA.