March 25, 2011
Manitoba Cuts Red Tape With Launch of More Single-window Access for Business Information and Services
– – –New Manitoba Business Gateway Site in St. Vital Will Boost Economic Development: Bjornson
“Manitoba is moving forward on reducing government red tape by providing more access to business information and services in both urban and rural locations,” Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson said today, while opening a new Manitoba Business Gateway site in St. Vital.
The Manitoba Business Gateway provides single-window access and referrals to a wide array of business and employment information and services including business starts; permits and licences; financial programs; business planning; recruiting, training and managing employees; business expansion and growth; exporting and more.
“Today we are opening a Business Gateway in St. Vital for the south Winnipeg region as part of our ongoing expansion of gateways in the province. These Business Gateways support entrepreneurs and businesses in their efforts to become more innovative and competitive. We have already established Business Gateways in several rural and urban Manitoba locations including Brandon, St. Boniface, St-Pierre-Jolys and Notre Dame de Lourdes, and we plan to open one soon in St. Laurent,” said Bjornson.
“Employment Manitoba is pleased to be a partner in such an innovative venture,” said Crystal Chercoe, director, Winnipeg services, Employment Manitoba. “The launch of the Manitoba Business Gateway at the South Winnipeg Bilingual Service Centre supports the province’s commitment to integrated service delivery for all Manitobans, business included. The Business Gateway will facilitate single-window access to a range of programs and services for Manitoba businesses. The anticipated outcome is a more-efficient, value-added service for Manitobans.”
The Bilingual Service Centres are a federal-provincial partnership that provide a wide range of bilingual government services while promoting the active offer of services in the French language. Bilingual support will also be provided for other Manitoba Business Gateway sites including Brandon, enhancing their capacities in cost-effective delivery of services in the province.
“Manitoba Business Gateways will build upon services already provided by the Bilingual Service Centres and will provide the centres’ specialized staff with additional knowledge and tools to help entrepreneurs and employers cut red tape and become more successful and competitive,” Bjornson said.
The establishment of Manitoba Business Gateway sites within the Bilingual Service Centres will provide increased access to French-language services including services for entrepreneurs who have recently immigrated to Manitoba.
“We know businesses are concerned about the impact of red tape on the cost of business operations. The Manitoba Business Gateways are part of our government’s effort to support businesses and help reduce those costs,” Bjornson said.
The Manitoba Business Gateways will also provide businesses with improved access to the province’s growing online services including the Manitoba Business Portal, Manitoba BizPaL, Online Name Reservation and TAXcess.
More information on Manitoba’s business and employment services, including Manitoba Business Gateway, is available at www.manitoba.ca/business.
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