Newsletter - Oct. 18, 2023
This week we are celebrating Small Business Week and the valuable contributions they make in communities both in Oakville, and across Canada! The hard-working entrepreneurs and small businesses are truly the backbone of our economy as they strive to innovate, create good jobs, and keep our communities strong.
Since becoming President of the Treasury Board, I have had the pleasure of meeting with entrepreneurs and small business owners who are the dreamers and doers of our economy. Earlier in the summer, I met with members of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, our local BIA’s and small business owners to hear their feedback on our local and national economies. More recently, I paid a visit to the province in which I was born and raised – beautiful Nova Scotia. There, I had the chance to meet the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce as well as local business owners to learn how our government can continue to best support them. We discussed ways in which our government can build on existing initiatives like the $4 billion Canada Digital Adoption Program that has empowered over 160,000 businesses to move online, boost their e-commerce presence, and incorporate technologies that help them become more competitive both at home and abroad.
We will continue to listen and learn from small businesses and entrepreneurs as we continue to help small businesses grow and reach their full potential.
That’s why we have developed programs to support women, Black, 2SLGBTQI+ and Indigenous entrepreneurs to ensure everyone has a chance to fulfill their small business dreams. While I was in Winnipeg and Calgary last week, I met with an inspiring group of Filipina entrepreneurs where we had meaningful discussions about empowering women, and what a diverse workforce truly means for Canadians. Programs such as the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, the Black Entrepreneurship Program and the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program deliver on our promise to grow a strong economy that works for everyone.
Thank you to all the small businesses owners and entrepreneurs that make our communities such a special place, create jobs, and foster economic growth. It’s important that we celebrate all small businesses from the longstanding mom-and-pop shot to the young entrepreneur who just started their first venture this week – and every week.
Meeting with the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce & Valley Regional Enterprise Network
Nova Scotia is home to some pretty amazing entrepreneurs.
Great to join MP Kody Blois with the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce & Valley Regional Enterprise Network to discuss the specific needs of Atlantic #SmallBiz, and how our we will continue to listen to their concerns and deliver for them.
Celebrating Small Business Week
During #SmallBusinessWeek, I salute the dedicated business owners & entrepreneurs that support the local economy here in #Oakville. #shoplocal #SmallBiz
Meeting some of Winnipeg's Incredible Entrepreneurs
Thank you to my friend MP Kevin Lamoureux for showing me some of #Winnipeg’s best lunch spots and for introducing me to some of Winnipeg’s incredible entrepreneurs!
We had a wonderful lunch at Kabalen Restaurant and Catering where we discussed how we can continue to support local small businesses. #EatLocal