Ministers Emerson and Prentice Launch Aboriginal Business and International Trade Website

News Release

March 29, 2007 (12:30 p.m. EDT)
No. 48
Ministers Emerson and Prentice Launch Aboriginal Business and
International Trade Website
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the
Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, and the Honourable Jim
Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor
for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced the launch of a new Government of
Canada website, the Aboriginal Business and International Trade website.
“Canada is home to many successful Aboriginal exporters,” said Minister Emerson.
“This website will provide new and expanding Aboriginal businesses with the tools and
information they need to tap into global commercial opportunities.”
“Aboriginal companies are a dynamic, growing presence in Canada’s economy and key
to sustainable growth and prosperity,” said Minister Prentice. “Canada’s New
Government is proud to support these businesses within and beyond our borders.”
The Aboriginal Business and International Trade website provides a comprehensive
source of information for Aboriginal entrepreneurs seeking to export their products and
services. It was developed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in
partnership with the Aboriginal International Business Development (AIBD) committee
to respond to a growing demand for export development information. The AIBD
committee includes representation from 21 federal government departments and
agencies working collectively to promote the success of Aboriginal small to
medium-sized enterprises in export markets.
According to 2001 Census data and the Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Survey (2004)
conducted by Statistics Canada, there are more than 27,000 self-employed Canadians
of First Nations, Métis and Inuit heritage who are creating economic opportunities in
their regions and making important contributions to Canada's economy. Among those
surveyed, a significant proportion (13 percent) have begun to export a portion of their
goods and services to other countries. The website will help build on this momentum.
The Aboriginal Business and International Trade website can be accessed at
http://www.aboriginaltrade.ca.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Jennifer Chiu
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and
the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613-992-7332
Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal
Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
819-997-0002
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
http://www.international.gc.ca
Media Relations
Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

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Ministers Emerson and Prentice Launch Aboriginal Business and International Trade Website

News Release

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