Mr. Alain Beaudoin at the Industry, Science and Technology Committee

On April 25th, 2013. See this statement in context.

April 25th, 2013 / 4:45 p.m.

Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications, Department of Industry

Thank you for your question.

As I mentioned, three initiatives directly targeting SMEs have been introduced since 2011.

I referred to the IRAP pilot project, which represents an $80-million program spanning three years. Basically, it is designed to provide advice, information and funding to businesses to help them increase their use of information technology.

I also talked about the BDC, which offers a free online service that can evaluate a business's website. I mentioned the fact that more than 20,000 Canadian SMEs had already had assessments done.

In addition, the BDC has earmarked $200 million specifically to help these businesses acquire the equipment they need to increase their use of information technology.

See context to find out what was said next.