The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) is the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the capital market in Alberta. The ASC is an industry-funded provincial corporation that administers the Securities Act, the Securities Regulation and Alberta Securities Commission Rules. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that the capital market operates fairly, that investors have timely, accurate information on which to base their investment decisions and that people who sell securities be registered.

The Bank of Canada is Canada's central bank. The Bank of Canada does not carry out ordinary banking business, nor does it accept deposits from the general public. The Bank of Canada's primary responsibilities are set out in the Bank of Canada Act and can be grouped into four broad functions: Monetary policy, Bank notes, Central banking services and Debt management.

The British Columbia Securities Commission is the independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating trading in securities in British Columbia. Its mission is to protect and promote the public interest by regulating trading in securities: to ensure the securities market is fair and efficient and warrants public confidence; and to foster a dynamic and competitive securities industry in British Columbia that provides investment opportunities and access to capital.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is Canada's small business bank. BDC plays a leadership role in delivering timely and relevant financial and management services, with a particular focus on the emerging and exporting sectors of the economy. The BDC's services are available across Canada in both English and French through a network of more than 80 branches, and its head office in Montreal.

The Canada Business Service Centres (CBSCs) are your gateway to government information for business. The CBSCs provide a wide range of information on government services, programs and regulations and are there to answer your questions about starting a new business or improving an existing one. The goal of the CBSCs is to provide business people in every part of Canada with access to accurate, timely and relevant information and referrals. The CBSCs reduce the complexity of dealing with various levels of government by serving as a central resource for Canadian business information.

As the Government of Canada's national housing agency, the CMHC plays a major role in Canada's housing industry. CMHC develops new ways to finance home purchases. They encourage innovation in housing design and technology. Their mortgage loan insurance helps Canadians realize their dream of owning a home.

CDIC is a federal crown corporation created in 1967 to protect the money you deposit in financial institutions that are CDIC members in case of their failure. CDIC's mission statement, adopted in 1992 and based on the statutory objects identified in the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act, summarizes its mandate: "To provide deposit insurance and to contribute to the stability of the financial system in Canada in a professional and innovative manner, meeting the highest standards of excellence, integrity and achievement, for the benefit of depositors of member institutions while minimizing the Corporation's exposure to loss. CDIC will provide an environment wherein employees are treated fairly and given opportunities and encouragement to develop their maximum potential."

You can now access US Government opportunities on a new Web site linked to the CCC home page. Each day between 200-400 new business opportunities will be listed on this site. They will remain there for 15 days. Access is free.

The Department of Finance Canada is the federal department primarily responsible for providing the Government of Canada with analysis and advice on the broad economic and financial affairs of Canada.

The Department's legal mandate, as set out in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Act, is to: conduct all diplomatic and consular relations on behalf of Canada; conduct all official communication between the Government of Canada and the government of any other country and between the Government of Canada and any international organization; conduct and manage international negotiations as they relate to Canada; coordinate Canada's economic relations; foster the expansion of Canada's international trade; coordinate the direction given by the Government of Canada to the heads of Canada's diplomatic and consular missions and to manage these missions; administer the foreign service of Canada; foster the development of international law and its application in Canada's external relations.

The Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, through its commitment to providing its clients with services adapted to their needs, supports development of the economic potential of the regions of Quebec and the creation of sustainable employment by fostering a business climate that enables small and medium enterprises to prosper and grow.

Government of Canada Primary Internet Site is the Internet access point through which Internet users around the world can obtain information about Canada, the Government of Canada and its programs and services.