Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the Rural Economic Summit of Ontario, an excellent event that will be taking place in my riding.
As the member for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, some of my main objectives are to strengthen the local economies in my riding, encourage innovation and promote entrepreneurship.
Having owned a small business before becoming an MP, I can understand the desire of rural businesses to grow and prosper. That is why I support the Rural Economic Summit of Ontario, which will be held from April 30 to May 2, in Clarence-Rockland, in my riding.
The rural economic summit will bring together rural business owners from all over Ontario and will tackle a number of important themes, such as agri-food industry challenges, best practices, networking, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
I am very honoured to be attending this year along with our Minister of State for Finance.
Small and medium-sized businesses are the job creators within our communities, and they are critical to stimulating economic growth and stability within our local economies.
I hope to see all Ontario businesses there at the summit.