Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to speak about regional economic development.
In Parry Sound-Muskoka I am committed to ensuring the federal government actively help stimulate growth in the 43 local communities in my riding. I believe if we work together with small business owners, community leaders, elected officials, tourism operators and our industrial contacts we can set objectives and establish goals to begin the process of expanding the local economy.
In this respect I am planning two economic development forums in my riding. On Wednesday, March 2 from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. the business community in Muskoka will come together at the Bracebridge Centennial Centre. The second forum will be held for east Parry Sound region on Saturday, March 5 from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. at the Almaguin Highlands Secondary School gymnasium.
These forums will be a catalyst for economic development in Parry Sound-Muskoka. They represent our government's commitment to the growth of the small business sector and they represent our commitment to new job creation in my riding.