Minister Chagger speaks at National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association annual meeting

Minister emphasizes Government's commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and growing the economy

MONTRÉAL, Nov. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - No relationship is more important to Canada than the one with Indigenous peoples, and supporting greater Indigenous economic development is an important priority on the path of reconciliation.

The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, spoke at a meeting of Indigenous finance experts today, during which she reaffirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation entrepreneurs to create new opportunities for jobs and growth in communities from coast to coast to coast.

Minister Chagger addressed the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), a network of more than 50 Aboriginal financial institutions that provide loans and business support services to Indigenous business owners. NACCA and its members work to address the lack of capital available to Indigenous small businesses. Their work is essential to helping overcome such barriers and to supporting hard-working Indigenous entrepreneurs.

During her remarks, Minister Chagger emphasized the Government's continued support for Indigenous entrepreneurs and small businesses through programs such as Innovative Solutions Canada, a new procurement program designed to support innovative small businesses, and measures such as increasing skills training, investing in Indigenous tourism, and expanding broadband Internet service to rural and remote communities.

Quotes

"Our government is committed to the path of reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation. One important priority, as we work together, is to make the kinds of investments that create new economic opportunities in Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast. The Government of Canada is committed to working closely with Indigenous peoples to spur economic development, growth and job creation."
? The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

Quick facts

• More than 43,000 Indigenous people owned small businesses at the time of the 2011 Census.
• The 2017 federal budget included $3.4 billion for health care, infrastructure, housing and other investments to benefit Indigenous people.

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT
Instagram: minofsbt

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada