Mr. Speaker, this week is Small Business Week.
In Canada, there are over one million small and medium size businesses. Together, they account for 56% of all current jobs.
Their role in the Canadian economy is increasingly important and their contribution to total employment is constantly growing. In fact, in 1998, they created two thirds of all new jobs.
This week, we should thank them and encourage them to have greater faith in their goods and services.
Our economy is now largely dependent on small and medium size businesses. We need more entrepreneurs who have dreams and projects to stabilize our economy and reduce unemployment.
We wish good luck and a good week to all entrepreneurs, owners of a small or medium size business, and their employees.