Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in the House to recognize the hard work and contributions of Canada's huge retail sector.
Canadian retail represents more than two million jobs in every community across this country and half a trillion dollars in sales each year.
The Retail Council of Canada, which is on the Hill today, represents 45,000 storefronts of all formats, from specialty stores to discount stores, from independent shops to online merchants. They are a critical support for the retailers that benefit from their expertise in leading-edge issues facing the industry.
This includes sharing with their members new programs that leverage sales through measuring store traffic and fostering best practices to protect stores and their customers.
Let us not forget how many young Canadians get their start in retail. I worked at a department store when I was in my twenties, and it is there that I learned skills that stand me in good stead to this day.
There is not a member in this House whose constituency is untouched by Canadian retail.
On behalf of all of us, I would like to recognize the importance of the retail industry and welcome its members to Parliament Hill.