CRFA talks small business with N.S. municipalities

SYDNEY, NS, Oct. 27 /CNW/ - Fostering small business is the key to leading the province out of its recession, said Garth Whyte, President and CEO of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association in his keynote speech at the annual meeting today of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (UNSM).

Whyte addressed Nova Scotia's political leaders, emphasizing the need for municipalities to work closely with small businesses, many of which belong to the province's $1.6-billion restaurant industry. With more than 30,000 employees, the restaurant industry is one of the largest employers in the province. Also in attendance were Premier Darrell Dexter, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Hans Cunningham, UNSM President Clarence Prince and mayors, wardens and councillors from across Nova Scotia.

"Small businesses are the cornerstone for the success of a community," said Whyte. "Policy makers need to start looking at challenges that face this important group, such as red tape and competitive taxation. Municipalities need to have a vision for small businesses because they are integral to a community's economic vitality."

For further information:

Luc Erjavec, CRFA Vice President Atlantic Canada, 902-209-0804 or [email protected]; Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, Communications Specialist, 1-800-387-5649, ext. 4254 or [email protected].