Ottawa, November 14, 2011 — The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), made the following statement to mark the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week:
"From November 14 to 20, celebrations will be taking place worldwide to recognize the important contribution of entrepreneurs. Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011 is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and dedication of entrepreneurs who play a leading role in promoting Canada's growth and prosperity.
"Global Entrepreneurship Week is an international movement designed to inspire millions of young people to embrace innovation and unleash their imagination and creativity through entrepreneurship. Through the work of the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF), we are proud to be one of the 121 countries hosting this year's event.
"Recognizing the vital role that entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized business owners play in Canada's economy, Prime Minister Harper declared 2011 the Year of the Entrepreneur.
"In the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan, which includes measures to support job creation, we provided an additional $20 million over two years to the CYBF. This will enable the organization to continue helping young entrepreneurs access business loans and mentoring services. In addition, we introduced a temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business to encourage additional hiring. We also provided permanent funding for the BizPaL program, an online service that provides entrepreneurs and small business owners with simplified access to information on the permits and licences needed to establish and run their businesses.
"Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, we lowered taxes for small businesses, limited the increase of employment insurance premiums and created the Red Tape Reduction Commission to help reduce the paperwork burden on businesses.
"Canada's entrepreneurial spirit is vital to our economy, and I look forward to working with young entrepreneurs as they continue to improve Canada's competitiveness. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish all of our entrepreneurs great success in the future."
For further information (media only), please contact:
Scott French
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-943-6183
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
