Original Source: Canada's News Centre

Oakville, Ontario, October 19, 2009 – To highlight the 30th anniversary of Small Business Week, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, today launched a guide entitled, Your Guide to Doing Business with the Government of Canada.

“This is a yet another tool to help small enterprises access federal business opportunities and navigate the procurement system,” said Minister Paradis. “Small businesses are the pillar of the national economy and this government is ensuring that they have fair and open access to government contracts.”

This Guide uses a five step method to make it easier for small businesses to access the Government of Canada procurement process: Understand the process; Register your business; Introduce yourself to Government; Look for contracting opportunities; and Submit bids for contracts.

“Canada’s SMEs play a vital part in the Canadian economy, even more so in this time of economic uncertainty,” added Minister Raitt when speaking before the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. "Strong SMEs create meaningful jobs that build strong families, strong communities and a stronger Canada.”

The Guide was produced by Public Works and Government Services Canada's Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME). OSME provides advice and support to SMEs by helping them navigate the government’s procurement system and plays a vital role in ensuring that these businesses have fair and open access to government contracting opportunities. The Guide is available to everyone free of charge at: www.contractscanada.gc.ca.