We cannot do it through an e-commerce strategy alone. We must also ensure that taxes, regulations, access to capital, and macro-economic conditions, all support rather than hinder small business growth. The marks Canada is getting these days are outstanding. In Canada, no-one deserves more credit for our economic performance than the small business sector. Properly equipped to do the job at hand, a rapidly growing number of Canadians have discovered the sense of fulfillment that comes from running a small firm.
Owners particularly enjoy the autonomy and control that running an independent business can provide.
I also want to recognize the important contributions that the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium is making in this part of Ontario. EMC member Transcontinental Printing of Owen Sound was recently awarded the contract to print TIME magazine in Canada. This impressive accomplishment demonstrates that businesses in Owen Sound are able to compete and win on an international basis. Other EMC success stories include the leading-edge marketing programs of Edwards of Canada, and the quality and human resources initiatives of the Munroe plant of Tenneco Canada. But something government is doing is helping create the climate in which entrepreneurs can continue to prosper and grow.