Supporting Community Development in B.C.
Speech to the Economic Development Association of B.C. / Community
Futures Development Association of B.C. Conference link
Vancouver, B.C.
April 11.2007

(Check Against Delivery)

Good morning everyone and thank you very much Bob for that kind introduction.

I’m delighted to be here with you this morning on behalf of Canada’s New Government and more specifically on behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.

I have the pleasure of living and working in the community of Port Moody, and I know the impact that local entrepreneurs and businesses can have on a community.

I understand that this event represents the culmination of three years of hard work and collaboration between the Community Futures Development Association and the Economic Development Association of British Columbia. 

It is exciting to see these two organizations working together to deliver first-rate services to the citizens of British Columbia.

Entrepreneurs and communities rely on the innovative partnerships that you continue to create and develop, in order to transform business concepts into reality.

The economic prosperity of our province depends on the combined synergy of individuals and groups, such as yourselves, and it’s clear that because of this British Columbia’s economy is booming.

Things are also looking good for the rest of the country.  Canada’s economy is strong.  Our employment performance is the best it has been in 30 years.  Consumer confidence remains high, and business finances are healthy.  However, it is very important that we do not take this success for granted.

As you know, we released Budget 2007 last month.

Managing Canada’s $1.5 trillion economy means that we must prioritize in order to keep our country competitive and prosperous.

Budget 2007 achieves this by balancing the budget, cutting taxes for working families, investing in priorities like health care, the environment, and infrastructure, and restoring fiscal balance by giving provinces the resources they need to deliver the front-line services that matter to Canadians.

The Budget also has measures to support the growth of the province’s manufacturing sector.  

We’re encouraging businesses to accelerate their investment spending by enabling them to write off capital investments in machinery and equipment.

This measure will provide $57 million in federal corporate income tax relief for British Columbia over the next two years.

Our Government is also committed to helping communities across B.C. and all of Canada to compete and prosper in the global marketplace.     

And that’s why Budget 2007 is allocating $1 billion dollars to the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative. 

And we know that through your dedication and efforts go a long way in ensuring we can meet our goals and bring the opportunities and benefits of an expanded Asia-Pacific trade corridor to communities across British Columbia.

You know first hand, the unique challenges facing your communities . You are the experts who aptly respond with local initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and economic growth.

I encourage all of you to continue to work in the spirit of collaboration, and to seek out opportunities to demonstrate Canada’s leadership in building strong, healthy and viable communities.

On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, I commend each of you for the leadership role you demonstrate everyday.  

Western Economic Diversification Canada is proud to be working with you to build a brighter future for Westerners and for all Canadians.

I wish you a successful conference and look forward to the positive outcomes of your collaborative efforts.

Thank you.