Governments of Canada, British Columbia and Ten Municipalities Deliver BizPaL Services

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - April 20, 2012) - Starting and running a business in ten British Columbia communities just became easier thanks to BizPaL, an online business permit and licence service that saves time spent on paperwork and helps entrepreneurs start up faster.

Today, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), together with the Honourable Pat Bell, British Columbia's Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, and George Hunter, CEO of Small Business BC, welcomed the launch of BizPaL in the following communities: the districts of Central Saanich, Delta, Mackenzie and Sechelt; the cities of Langford, Nelson, New Westminster and Port Moody; the Village of Valemount; and the Town of Smithers.

"Our government is committed to creating the right conditions for entrepreneurs to succeed and to create jobs and wealth for our country," said Minister of State Bernier. "BizPaL is a useful tool that is part of our efforts to decrease the amount of red tape for small and medium-sized businesses. I am pleased to announce it is now available in these communities."

BizPaL is an innovative service that provides entrepreneurs with simplified access to information on the permits and licences they need to establish and run their businesses. This unique partnership among federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments is designed to cut through the paperwork burden and red tape that small business owners encounter. The BizPaL service in these ten communities was developed by the municipalities, the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.

"BizPaL is the result of three levels of government working together to help make life easier for B.C.'s small businesses," said Minister Bell. "Innovation and job creation trump time spent navigating through red tape. BizPaL allows entrepreneurs to focus on what's important-growing their businesses."

"At Small Business BC, we provide critical information and a range of products, services and education that help entrepreneurs across the province increase their opportunity to become successful," said Mr. Hunter. "By providing easy access to government permits and licences through one single source, BizPaL has proven to be a highly effective cost- and time-saving resource for business owners."

Area business owners and entrepreneurs can access the service by visiting the provincial BizPaL website (www.bcbizpal.ca). For additional information on the service, visit the BizPaL website (www.bizpal.ca).