Hon. Amina Gerba: Senator Gold, the Black Entrepreneurship Program, or BEP, which was implemented by the government in 2020, has supported 5,000 businesses, which in turn have created thousands of jobs and generated $220 million in revenue. However, the program is scheduled to end in May 2025, and this is causing concern in Black communities across the country. Does the government intend to renew this important program?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question, senator, and for highlighting the very important work of this program.

While I can’t speculate on possible future funding — I’m sure you understand that that’s not possible — I can assure everyone here that the Government of Canada will continue to support Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs so they can grow their businesses and succeed now and in the future.

Senator Gerba: Senator Gold, the situation for Black entrepreneurs is uniquely different, so they require long-term support. Is the government planning on making the BEP permanent?

Senator Gold: Thank you for the follow-up question. Again, I can’t speculate on future funding, but I’m happy to discuss this with the minister.