OTTAWA, May 3, 2023 – Yesterday, Senator Marty Klyne introduced a Senate inquiry calling attention to Indigenous-owned and controlled businesses in Canada and celebrating their contributions to their communities and to Canada’s economy.

Too few people are aware of the significant contributions these businesses make to Canada’s GDP and to the social fabric of our country.

Through this inquiry, Senator Klyne and other senators will call attention to the many successful Indigenous-led businesses and economic development corporations in Canada and highlight the incredible contributions they have made to our nation of nations.

According to a recent report commissioned by the members of the National Indigenous Procurement Working Group (NIPWG), there are 50,000 Indigenous-owned companies in Canada, and they contribute up to $30 billion each year to our economy.[1] In addition, it is noted in the Senate Prosperity Action Group’s 2021 report, Indigenous business leaders have set a target of growing the Indigenous economy to $100 billion over the next few years.[2]

These businesses are active throughout the country – from urban cores to rural towns, in local markets and major shopping centres, and both on-reserve and off-reserve. It’s time that their impact be recognized and celebrated!

To better inform the inquiry, Senator Klyne welcomes any Indigenous-led businesses and/or economic development corporations who wish to share their knowledge and experience to reach out to his office. Interested organizations can do so using the contact information below.

Senator Klyne welcomes senators from all regions to lend their support to this inquiry and hopes that the stories of Indigenous business will be celebrated from coast to coast to coast.

 

Quotes

“I’m pleased to commence this inquiry celebrating Indigenous-owned and controlled businesses. Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses are essential to our national prosperity, including at this challenging economic time. Stories shared through this inquiry will illustrate the tremendous successes of Indigenous businesses, and what we can do to provide them with stronger support and greater opportunity.”

• Marty Klyne, Senator for Saskatchewan

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For further information, please contact:

Neil McKenna
Parliamentary Affairs Advisor
Office of Senator Marty Klyne
neil.mckenna@sen.parl.gc.ca
Cell: 343-573-4108

[1] http://www.naedb-cndea.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5.-Defining-Indigenous-Businesses-Report_FINAL-English.pdf

[2] https://peterharder.sencanada.ca/media/49965/pag-report-english.pdf – page 34