The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, issued the following message on the occasion of the Community Futures Development Association of British Columbia's Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program website launch:

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program website is an important tool to increase access to services being offered through participating Community Futures Development Corporations across British Columbia.

Providing services to entrepreneurs with specialized needs or obstacles is crucial to building a dynamic business environment in British Columbia and across the West. Improving Canada’s competitive position means developing the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is dedicated to ensuring all western Canadians have the means to achieve a higher standard of living and a better quality of life. This includes making it easier for entrepreneurs with disabilities to pursue their business goals and contribute to the economic growth of their communities.

Our Government is breaking down barriers that prevent Canadians from reaching their potential.  This website is just one example that will contribute to the continued success of entrepreneurs and I look forward to learning about the results of this important work.

The Community Futures Development Association of British Columbia's Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program website can be found at: http://www.cf-edp.ca/

Western Economic Diversification Canada promotes the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the west and represents the interests of the West in national decision-making.

For additional information, contact:

Lisa Hutniak
Senior Special Assistant - Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification)
Telephone: (613) 952-9831

Marie Gallant
Executive Director
Community Futures British Columbia
Telephone: (604) 685-2332   ext: 225
Email: mgallant@communityfutures.ca