Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Small Business Week I rise today to remind the House of the important work done by the many community futures development corporations throughout Canada, especially in my riding of Algoma—Manitoulin.
With the help of volunteer boards of directors the seven CFDCs play a pivotal role in fostering local economic development. They work with our communities, give local small business direct access to capital and good advice, and make available to them the services of the federal government.
I wish to salute the Lacloche Manitoulin Business Development Corporation, the Waubetek Business Development Corporation, the Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie and area, the Community Development Corporation for East Algoma, the Nord-Aski Non-Profit Development Organization, and the Superior East and the Superior North Development Corporations for their excellent service to our communities and entrepreneurs in my riding.
I ask all hon. members to join me in congratulating the fine work of all CFDCs throughout Canada.