Buy a dress from a local designer, purchase locally made paper or visit your local craft brewery this week, because it has officially been proclaimed 'Buy Local Week' in British Columbia.

From Dec. 2 to 8, British Columbians are encouraged to support small businesses and grow the local economy by purchasing made-in-B.C. products and services. This week is your chance to celebrate the economic, social and environmental benefits of shopping local, especially during the busy holiday shopping season.

Buying local not only keeps money in British Columbia, it also contributes to job creation. Small businesses employ more than one million people in B.C. and provide about 55 per cent of all private-sector jobs in the province - the second-highest rate in Canada.

B.C.-owned businesses are a diverse group and offer products and services across many sectors, including business services, construction, manufacturing, insurance and real estate, educational services, accommodation and food production.

Buy Local Week is being organized by LOCO BC - a local business alliance working to create a diverse, vibrant local economy by strengthening small and mid-sized businesses. This is the second annual 'Buy Local Week' to be proclaimed in B.C.

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business -

"We know buying local is an important economic driver in British Columbia. Not only does it keeps money and jobs in B.C., it also contributes to the character of our neighbourhoods and builds a sense of community."

"This is not only about buying a sweater at a local craft fair - there are thousands of businesses throughout the province to support, from real estate agents to craft brewers to local furniture makers. This week I'll be buying local to support a strong B.C. economy."

Pat Pimm, Minister of Agriculture -

"Almost all of our farms in British Columbia are family owned and operated. When we support our family farms, we get fresh and local foods while also helping build strong and sustainable communities."

Amy Robinson, founder and executive director, LOCO BC -

"On average, Canadian consumers spend $1,400 during the holiday season on food, alcohol, gifts and travel. We're encouraging consumers to make sure some of it is spent with B.C.-based businesses."

"When consumers spend their dollars with local businesses, the money re-circulates in their community 2.6 times, because those businesses are locally managed, and use other locals for accounting, marketing, legal and other services. Wealth multiplies and supports more jobs and stronger communities."

Val Litwin, CEO, Whistler Chamber of Commerce -

"Our community is unique - and a buy local campaign helps keep us unique and attractive to destination visitors. Whether you are locally owned or perhaps a global brand, there are still many ways to live the local mindset. Buy Local Week is a terrific opportunity to raise consumer awareness of the economic benefits of buying local."

Quick Facts:

• According to the 2013 Small Business Profile, B.C. has the most small businesses per capita in Canada, at 83.5 per 1,000 people.
• About 385,900 small businesses were operating in the province in 2012, 82 per cent of which had fewer than five employees.
• Small businesses account for 85 per cent of all exporters in B.C.
• B.C. small businesses shipped approximately $12.2 billion worth of merchandise to international destinations in 2011, which accounts for 42 per cent of all the goods exported from the province.

Learn More:

To see the official 'Buy Local Week' proclamation, please visit: http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/oic/2013%20Proclamations/default.htm

To find out more about small businesses in B.C., check out the 2013 Small Business Profile: www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/pdf/SB_Profile_2013.pdf

To find out more about LOCO BC, please visit: http://locobc.com/

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business
250 387-2799