SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Small Business Week

Honourable senators, I rise today with great pride to celebrate Small Business Week, an opportunity to recognize the incredible contributions of Canadian entrepreneurs and small business owners from coast to coast to coast.

The business community is made up of inspiring individuals who represent the very best of our communities. With ambition, talent, innovation and resilience, they turn ideas into reality. They create jobs, spark growth and help build a more vibrant and inclusive economy for all of us.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, are truly the backbone of the Canadian economy. They make up 48% of our GDP and employ more than 8 million Canadians. With over a million small businesses across the country, they touch every industry and every region. Whether it’s your local bakery, tech start-up, family-run farm or boutique, small businesses are central to our daily lives.

As a former small business owner myself, I understand the dedication, long hours and care it takes to build something from the ground up. I know first-hand the challenges entrepreneurs face, from balancing finances and managing staffing, to navigating regulatory hurdles and shifting market conditions.

Entrepreneurship is not an easy task, but the passion and commitment of Canadian entrepreneurs never fail to inspire me. Their perseverance in the face of uncertainty is a testament to the strength and resilience at the heart of Canada’s entrepreneurial community.

I’d also like to recognize the important role that organizations like chambers of commerce and local business associations play in supporting these businesses. These organizations are not only powerful advocates for the business community, they also help create connections, foster networking opportunities and provide guidance and mentorship for both new and established businesses. Our local business owners are more than just entrepreneurs; they are our neighbours, our friends and integral members of our communities. By supporting them, we strengthen our local economy and keep our communities vibrant and resilient.

Let’s support our small businesses this week and every week. When small businesses succeed, we all do. Buy Canadian and support local. Thank you. Wela’lin.