Meetings focused on tapping into the potential of women business owners and suppliers in integrated Canada-U.S. economies
WASHINGTON, April 4, 2018 /CNW/ - Women represent tremendous potential for our economy. With greater support, women-led businesses can enter the world stage and compete and win there. They can boost our economic growth and create more well-paying jobs for Canadians and Americans.
Drawing on recommendations by the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders, Canada's Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, which was announced in Budget 2018, will address barriers facing female entrepreneurs and will empower women to take an equal place on the global entrepreneurship stage.
The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, has wrapped up a successful visit to Washington, D.C., focused on enhancing Canada-U.S. cooperation on women's economic empowerment.
Minister Chagger met with her counterpart, Linda McMahon, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, to discuss ways Canada and the U.S. can further our cooperation on support for women entrepreneurs, as recommended by the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders.
She also participated in a fireside chat, hosted by global incubator 1776, on supporting women business owners in Canada and the United States.
While in Washington, Minister Chagger received the Outstanding Government Leader Award from WeConnect International—a global network that connects women-owned businesses to qualified buyers around the world—for her deep commitment to women's economic empowerment and public-private partnerships.
During the trip, Minister Chagger also participated in a series of bilateral discussions with business representatives on small business issues, women entrepreneurship and NAFTA.
Quote
"I know that women-led businesses can grow and compete on the world stage. As we step up support for female entrepreneurs through our government's Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, we must work with our closest neighbour and largest trading partner to create an equal place for women in our integrated economies and set the right conditions for women's economic success on the global scene. The potential for both our economies to tap into women's growth and prosperity now and well into the future is unprecedented."
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism
Quick facts
- Getting more women into the workforce could add $150 billion to Canada's GDP by 2026.
- Budget 2018 outlines a new $2-billion Women Entrepreneurship Strategy that supports women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey by helping them to access the financing, talent, networks and expertise they need to overcome barriers to growth.
- In 2017, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders.
Associated link
Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT
Instagram: minofsbt
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Jonathan Dignan, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Small Business and Tourism, 343-291-2700; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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