Mr. Speaker, we are well on our way to economic recovery and leading the way are Canadian entrepreneurs. Close to 900,000 Canadian women and men who own and operate small and medium sized enterprises are celebrating Small Business Week from October 23 to 29.
This year's theme is Partnerships for Growth. The federal government must continue to support and encourage small businesses and truly become partners in breaking down the barriers.
In Burlington small businesses like Roxanne Moffat's Hillcrest Florists are the backbone of our community and ultimately of our nation. They encourage healthy competition, provide great products and service and combine innovation with expertise.
Ms. Moffat, head of our Business Women's Network and an active member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, is one of many Canadian women whose skill, imagination and determination have made them a success.
This weekend the contributions of many women like Ms. Moffat are being acknowledged at the 1994 Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and Conference. The awards and conference help to stimulate the Canadian economy by nurturing entrepreneurial skills and encouraging small business-