Manitoba Filipino Business Council has gone apolitical recently when it sponsored a forum on the role of small businesses in the Canadian economy. Three candidates from the three major political parties were invited to address their party’s program for the small busineses. The speakers include Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal; Rebecca Blaikie, NDP and Ann Matejicka, Conservative. Short presentations prior to the main forum were Holly Toupin, Regional Vice President with RBC Royal Bank of Canada; Dave Angus, President of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce; and Larry Vickar, President, Vickar Autogroup Inc. as represented by his sale staff, Noel Cadelina.
“Because of the overall positive feedback we received from putting on this forum, We are already planning future forums involving the provincial and municipal politicians. Being in business, it is imperative to know what’s going on in government at all levels as if affects business owners in some ways. The MFBC wants to keep its member informed and up to date,” says Jon Reyes.
The forum was moderated by Derrik Hird. He presented the candidates with five questions which focused on the concerns of small business owners and entrepreneurs. The questions addressed topics such as: mentorship program, research and development support, what each party would do for the small business in the Winnipeg North; and lastly, how to help business to grow internationally.
Organized in March 2010, and officially incorporated in August of the same year, the Manitoba Filipino Business Council, INC. has enjoined young Filipino entrepereneurs and has been involved in raising up the concerns of small businesses in general.”Our primary mandate is to serve the Filipino businesses and at the same time, to have a strong connection with other ethnic groups,” Reyes added.
The MFBC is always open to new and existing business owners and entrepreneurs. For more information on becoming a member got to www.mfbc.ca or email info@mfbc.ca