January 25, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement declaring 2011 the Year of the Entrepreneur:

“Canada’s entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, creating jobs and driving economic growth in communities large and small across our country. They invest themselves completely in their businesses working countless hours on every aspect of their enterprise – from research and development to manufacturing, marketing and delivery.

“I am therefore pleased to declare 2011 as the Year of the Entrepreneur as part of our Government’s efforts to raise public awareness of the importance of entrepreneurs to Canada’s economy and pay tribute to their drive and dedication.

“Our Government has listened carefully in the last five years to what entrepreneurs told us they need to succeed. We have listened and have taken decisive action to address their needs and concerns, including reducing taxes and red tape, improving access to business financing, making substantial investments in training, research, and development and opening up new markets.

“I encourage Canadians to participate in activities taking place this year to support local entrepreneurs and to thank them for contributing to the quality of life we all enjoy.�