Minister of State Rob Moore announced Monday that the federal government has renewed a measure aimed at bolstering employment - and the national economy as a whole - through a comprehensive internship program for Canadian students.
The Small Business Internship Program received a $3.5 million investment from the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, providing post-secondary students with opportunities to gain first-hand experience and spark their entrepreneurial spirits.
"Our government's top priority is the economy," said Minister of State Moore in a statement. "Today's investment in the SBIP is one of the ways our government is helping entrepreneurs while creating jobs for post-secondary students. These young Canadians will gain valuable work experience while contributing to Canada's economic recovery."
The investment is also a part of the Economic Action Plan, which has sought to spur innovation and private investment through a system of lower corporate taxes, small business innovation programs and various red tape and regulatory reduction efforts.
Last year, the U.S. Small Business Administration ranked Canada second in the world for entrepreneurship, beating out the U.S. - which took the No. 3 spot - and trailing only to Denmark.
