Statement made on 04 February 2009 by Senator Marie-P. Poulin (Charette)
Hon. Marie-P. Poulin:
Honourable senators, I would like to draw the attention of the Senate to a major milestone reached by an Ottawa organization that for the past quarter century has been encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit among the region's francophone population.
Twenty-five years ago, I had the privilege of being one of the first administrators of the Regroupement des gens d'affaires de la Capitale nationale, or the RGA. Yes, honourable senators, we decided to create an association dedicated to networking.
At the time, it was the first coalition of francophone businesspeople in Ontario. From its humble beginnings, the organization expanded rapidly. At present, the RGA brings together some 600 businesspeople, men and women, from both sides of the Ottawa River, who exchange a wide range of goods and services, including everything from legal and financial advice to construction services and car purchases.
Honourable senators, the RGA takes a leading role in the economic and social spheres of the capital region. The website at www.rga.ca provides an online membership list along with an assortment of activities, including the yearly recognition of leading entrepreneurs and executives.
I extend my congratulations to the members of this unique organization, the RGA, on its anniversary.