October 22, 2015, FREDERICTON (GNB) – As Canadian communities celebrate Small Business Week, consumers are encouraged to visit their local independent stores on Saturday, Oct. 24, and support the businesses that are the cornerstone of the Canadian economy.

Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shop at local independent businesses and help entrepreneurs promote their businesses.

“Our province’s small businesses play a vital role in driving and building our economy, creating jobs so that New Brunswickers can support their families,” said Aquaculture, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet, who is also minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “I encourage everyone to take the time to visit and support small businesses this Saturday and every day.”

The event is sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and is meant to draw attention and provide support to small businesses which are integral to communities across the country.

“Small Business Saturday is a day for New Brunswickers to celebrate and support the fantastic entrepreneurs who add so much to our local economies, and who work very hard to provide goods and services in all parts of the province,” said Denis Robichaud, the federation’s director of provincial affairs for New Brunswick. “Once again this year, I will visit many of our province’s terrific small businesses and I hope that all New Brunswickers will do the same.”

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business represents 109,000 small business owners including 5,000 in New Brunswick. The federation advocates on behalf of Canada’s small businesses to all levels of government and offers resources such as business counseling and discounts on essential services.

MEDIA CONTACT(S):

Carolyn McCormack, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-453-8168.

Denis Robichaud, director of provincial affairs, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 506-855-2526.