WINDSOR, Ontario, June 8, 2007 Starting and running a business in Windsor just became easier because of BizPaL, a new online business permit and licence service that saves time spent on paperwork and helps entrepreneurs start up faster.
Today, Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, on behalf of the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, together with Sandra Pupatello, Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor West and Ontario Minister for Economic Development and Trade, and Eddie Francis, Mayor of Windsor, welcomed the launch of BizPaL to the City of Windsor.
BizPaL is an innovative project that provides entrepreneurs with simplified access to the permit and licencing information they need to establish and run their business. This unique partnership among federal, provincial, territorial, regional and local governments is designed to cut through the paperwork burden and red tape that small business owners encounter.
"BizPaL will make it easier for people in Windsor to get the licences and permits they need to start up and grow their business," said MP Jeff Watson. "Canada's New Government is working hard with provincial and municipal governments to provide the best possible service for small business."
"BizPaL is just one way in which we're making it easier for businesses in Ontario," said MPP Sandra Pupatello. "Businesses told us they needed a one-window approach to government services and information and we're delivering."
"BizPaL is the next wave in providing business information services," said Mayor Eddie Francis. "I am very proud that WindsorEssex is on the cutting edge of this technology and is leading with online programs and services for businesses and entrepreneurs."
The BizPaL system in the City of Windsor was developed with Industry Canada support, in collaboration with the Province of Ontario.
Area business owners and entrepreneurs can access the service by visiting the Service Ontario BizPaL (http://www.bizpal.serviceontario.ca/BizPal/BzInit.do?lang=en) site or the City of Windsor (http://www.citywindsor.ca/) site. The Province is looking forward to expanding BizPaL to other areas of Ontario over the next year.
Visit the BizPaL (http://www.bizpal.ca/) site for additional project history and information, as well as to access the websites of participating partners.
For more information, please contact:
Todd MacKay
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-943-6183
Isabelle Fontaine
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
Patricia Dolan Lewis
Marketing and Communication Officer
City of Windsor
Tel.: 519-253-2300, ext. 6877
Sandra Pupatello
Ontario Minister for Economic Development and Trade
MPP Windsor West
519-977-7191
Jeff Watson
Member of Parliament for Essex
519-776-4700
