Minister Ambrose Hosts Economic Roundtable in Vancouver with Women Business Leaders 1: Minister Rona Ambrose, center, met with 21 women business leaders from the Vancouver area to hear their unique perspectives on how the Government of Canada can ensure the ongoing economic recovery, create jobs, and provide financial security for Canadian families.


The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, hosted an economic roundtable in Vancouver to consult with women business leaders in preparation for Budget 2011. The roundtable consultation was an opportunity to discuss the ongoing economic recovery, creating jobs, providing financial security for families, and ensuring Canada continues to emerge from the global recession as well as best possible.

“With Canada’s economic recovery still fragile, the economy remains the Government of Canada’s number one priority and consulting business leaders will allow us to tailor our next budget to meet the needs of Canadian families and businesses,” said Minister Ambrose. “Gathering feedback from women business leaders is an important part of our plan to develop the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, given the significant role women play in leading all types of Canadian businesses.”

Roundtable participants were also briefed on the role of Canada’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME), which was created to help businesses access federal procurement.

OSME focuses on reducing procurement barriers; simplifying the contracting process; providing advice to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) wishing to do business with the government; collaborating with SMEs to improve procurement policies and best practices; and working with SMEs to ensure their concerns are brought forward and heard.

OSME has also developed various tools to assist suppliers in doing business with the Government of Canada, including: a detailed “how to” guide, a new Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program to kickstart the commercialization of Canadian products; and a new buyandsell.gc.ca website.