The presence and messages of MP Valdez and MPP Yasir Naqvi
Supporting Entrepreneurship Through Community and Opportunity
On September 19, the Philippine Centre Canada (PCC) brought together Filipino Canadian entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, and community members for Financial Literacy: Business, A Pathway to Financial Stability at Cours Bayview, Bayview Yards in Ottawa.
The conversation around entrepreneurship and financial stability was also enriched by the personal perspectives of two members of Parliament who joined us at the beginning of the program.
We were honoured to welcome The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Streetsville, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), and Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development).
Minister Valdez spoke openly about her own journey before entering public service life, including her experience as a business owner. Sharing this part of her story made her remarks especially relatable to the entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners in the room. She also spoke about the federal government's role in supporting small businesses and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow and succeed.
MPP Naqvi spoke about the importance of financial literacy and recognized PCC's project as a valuable starting point for helping members of the community build financial knowledge and confidence. His remarks highlighted how initiatives like this can create opportunities for people to learn, ask questions, and take meaningful steps toward greater financial stability.
Their remarks added a personal and community focused dimension to the conversation, connecting their own experiences and perspectives with the stories and aspirations shared by participants throughout the day.
PCC sincerely thanks Minister Valdez and MP Naqvi for taking the time to meet with our community, share their perspectives, and support this important conversation.
This workshop series is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
