OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 10/22/10 -- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), today underlined the Government of Canada's commitment to small businesses at the conclusion of Small Business Week.
"It is important that we acknowledge the contributions small businesses make to the Canadian economy and to Canadian society as a whole," said Minister of State Moore. "They are the backbone of our economy and a major source of job creation across the country. But, more than that, they are a part of the fabric of our communities."
To mark the close of Small Business Week, Minister of State Moore highlighted the government's support of 24 additional internships for post-secondary graduates in Quebec through Canada's Small Business Internship Program (SBIP).
"Our one-time investment in SBIP is helping small businesses in Quebec take advantage of e-commerce and information and communications technologies while providing work experience for recent post-secondary graduates," said Minister of State Moore. "These young Canadians are gaining valuable work experience while contributing to Canada's economic progress."
These 24 additional internships in Quebec were a part of a recent expansion of the SBIP program, which provided 165 additional internships for post-secondary graduates in communities across Canada. The SBIP will receive $1.375 million in 2010-11 to provide these additional internships. The Youth Employment Strategy's Career Focus program received $30 million through Canada's Economic Action Plan to help young Canadians receive work experience and the tools to succeed.
Canadians can be encouraged by the positive signs of economic recovery across the country. However, that recovery is still fragile, and the economy remains the Harper government's top priority.
"We support small businesses by lowering taxes, cutting red tape and increasing access to financing. We are also delivering a number of programs and services to help create jobs and improve Canada's competitiveness," added Minister of State Moore. "Our government will continue to deliver for Canada's small businesses throughout the year."
For more information on the SBIP and its delivery agencies, please visit the SBIP website (www.ic.gc.ca/sbip).
Contacts:
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
Sean Phelan
613-943-7009
Industry Canada
Media Relations
613-943-2502