REPORT FROM PARLIAMENT

If there is one indicator that shows the strength of a town, it is the success of its small businesses. Having owned a variety of businesses myself, I understand the challenges that starting and running a small business entails.

That is why your Conservative Government is investing $450 million to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to support small Canadian enterprises. The funding they will receive includes $100 million to establish the Operating Line of Credit Guarantee and $350 million over three years to help drive venture capital investment in Canadian technology businesses.

The Canadian economy is based on the vitality of Canadian businesses that are in need of credit to finance their growth. The best part about this funding is that it will help businesses in all sectors, including manufacturing, science and technology, construction, tourism, forestry and of course agriculture.

Small business is the backbone of our economy. Small businesses employ people within the community. They understand that hiring our children for a summer job gives invaluable work experience and creates career opportunities. The Government funding to the BDC will ensure the continuance of this long established tradition. It will also mean that entrepreneurs with new ideas will have the opportunity to develop their creative innovations.

Your Conservative Government is keeping its focus on returning to prosperity. Implementing measures that will ensure the continued growth and vitality of small and medium sized businesses is a big part of that.

Hon. Gerry Ritz is the Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster www.gerryritzmp.ca