Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), made the following statement about Small Business Week, which runs October 16-22, 2022:
"During Small Business Week, we celebrate small business owners in every corner of Atlantic Canada. These passionate, energetic people are helping our region flourish by stimulating the economy and strengthening our communities. Their vision and talent create new products and services, well-paying jobs and keep us at the leading edge of innovation on the world stage.
"Small businesses demonstrate their ingenuity daily as they navigate an environment of labour shortages, new technologies, global competition and climate change. Their resilience was put to the test once again last month when many suffered major damage due to Hurricane Fiona.
"As Minister responsible for ACOA, I am proud the federal government is here to support businesses of all sizes, organizations and communities facing hardship because of the storm through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund.
"The Agency is committed to offering initiatives that address other critical concerns of small businesses like supporting:
- Atlantic Canada's labour force through immigration, skills development and inclusion of under-represented groups;
- the adoption of digital technologies, helping small businesses be more innovative and respond to changing market conditions;
- trade and foreign direct investment to help businesses succeed in global markets; and,
- the greening of the economy by leveraging the region's potential for renewable energy, decarbonization and clean technologies.
"I extend my deepest gratitude to small business owners and their workers across Atlantic Canada. Your commitment, resilience and successes are transforming our region's economy and communities. I encourage all Atlantic Canadians to buy local, eat local and show as much support as you can for our region's small businesses."
