Mr. Speaker, small business is the engine of economic growth and will be the main driver of economic activity as we navigate our way out of this current economic downturn.
As governments wrestle with appropriate stimulus packages and many major transnational corporations are forced to significantly downsize their operations, it is the small business sector that continues to operate efficiently, and in the process creates and maintains jobs and contributes to our GDP.
On Friday, February 27, I had the honour of hosting the Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism at a round table forum of small business leaders from Edmonton—St. Albert. We enjoyed a frank and open discussion of some of the challenges and also some of the successes of the entrepreneurs operating within my constituency.
One such enterprise, the Tudor Glen Veterinary Hospital, was honoured that night at the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction for demonstrated excellence as a small business.
I would like all members of the House to congratulate all successful small businesses, the backbone of the Canadian economy.