CPRS Ottawa-Gatineau’s Post

Three years ago, as Canada Day approached, I felt sadness. That week, several young employees had told me they weren't celebrating our national holiday. They were justifiably horrified at the discovery of probable burial sites of Indigenous children at residential schools. This was heartbreaking to me as a proud naturalized Canadian. For many, it was a 'hinge' moment. Since then, many more businesses celebrate National Indigenous History Month, which ends tomorrow. The question now, which Tabatha Bull and I raise in a Toronto Star op-ed today, is what businesses are doing the rest of the year. Our point: Reconciliation must be a year-round imperative -- not only for social justice and cohesion, but also for the competitiveness of our businesses and the strength of our economy. Based on the work of our organizations, the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, we offer four recommendations related to reconciliation action plans, education and employment, procurement and investment. With the Indigenous economy already worth $50 billion and rising fast, now is the time for business leaders to shift good intentions into decisive action. Canada's future will be brighter when we do. #Indigenous #reconciliation #business #chamberofcommerce #canadaday

Have you checked out the Canadian Purpose Economy Project website? If you haven't, hurry over! Our resource page has a wide range of tools, reports and resources to support your purpose journey. Our Purpose Call to Action is an opportunity to add your voice to a growing list of CEO's and peers who want to build a purpose economy in Canada, an economy which is powered by the pursuit of long-term well-being for all. And if you haven't signed up for our newsletter, hurry do! It will keep you up to date on the latest purpose news in Canada. Our vision is that by 2030, at least 25% of Canadian businesses are adopting, disclosing, and authentically embedding a social purpose across their operations and relationships, and collaborating with others to achieve it. There is nothing better than a giant, hairy audacious goal to work together towards. purposeeconomy.ca Coro Strandberg Mike Rowlands Maureen Young Peter ter Weeme Junxion Strategy Coast Capital Savings Mary Ellen Schaafsma Elizabeth Shirt CBSR https://purposeeconomy.ca/ #letsdoit #purpose2030 #purpose #cpep #socialpurpose #wellbeingeconomy

As we reflect upon Canada Day and National Indigenous History Month comes to a close, Daniel Tisch, APR, FCPRS, ICD.D and Tabatha Bull provide an urgent call to action: reconciliation is a year-round imperative and is not just for governments. Corporations and the private sector should be leading the way.    Over the past few months, our team at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business has been hard at work holding consultations and building partnerships because we know that investing in the Indigenous economy is both a moral and economic imperative. Economic reconciliation has the potential to create true equity for Indigenous Peoples while learning from Indigenous traditional knowledge to help build a more robust economy for all Canadians.    The Indigenous economy in Canada has more than doubled in size over the past decade to $50 billion and is still rapidly growing, expected to reach $100 billion. Studies estimate that closing gaps in employment, education and opportunity would generate $27.7 Billion - enough to double the Canada Child Benefit or meet our NATO defence spending targets.    Every corporation, organization and individual has a role to play including:    🍁Learning about Canada’s history including the ongoing impacts of colonialism, residential schools and the resilience, strength and diversity of Indigenous Peoples   🧍♀️Creating equitable opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in education, employment, and building inclusive environments.    ✅ Building partnerships, including diversifying your supply chain with a target of 5% Indigenous procurement.    🥇Become a corporate champion and embed a culture of reconciliation. CCIB’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Program is a great place to start.    To learn more about OCC’s Economic Reconciliation Initiative visit: https://lnkd.in/etsmDx8s   Thank you to our sponsors for making this work possible: Hydro One Bruce Power CN BMO Meridian Credit Union Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) BDC Ontario Power Generation #NationalIndigenousHistoryMonth #EconomicReconciliation Matthew Foss Angela Mark Andy Avgerinos Claudia Dessanti Andrea Carmona

Let’s debunk a common myth: ‘economic growth alone ensures a prosperous society.’ While growth is essential, relying on it solely to define prosperity overlooks the wider picture—mental health, quality of life, affordable housing, and sustainable job opportunities. Without these elements, no amount of GDP growth can create a genuinely thriving society. To build a stronger Canada, we need to redefine prosperity to include economic health, social inclusion, and resilience. It’s about setting policies that empower young people, making room for innovation in industries, and removing the barriers that hold our workforce back from productivity gains. It’s time to stop settling for silver and work together to bring Canada to the top.  If we can reframe prosperity to include these fundamentals, we’ll not only boost productivity but build a future where economic growth benefits everyone. In a new #FutureForward episode, host Sasha (Aleksandra) Krstic is joined by guests Honourable A Anne McLellan, and Hon. Lisa Raitt, Co-Chairs of The Coalition for a Better Future to get to the bottom of this issue. Check out the new episode to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gkyMunMa #FutureForward #FutureOfProsperity #InclusiveGrowth #Canada

For all that is wrong with Canada these days, let me tell you, there is plenty that is still right.. Let’s call a spade a spade- The country has lost momentum ever since the pandemic. Most of that is undoubtedly a direct function of poor policy and leadership, supercharged by macro instability and anger spreading throughout the globe. Make no mistake though, if you’re spending more time blaming government than making progress towards your own goals, that ain’t getting you any closer. Sorry to break it to you folks- the government ain’t the reason if you fail and they ain’t the reason if you succeed. Billionaires will be minted in the next 5 years regardless of who’s in charge and what policies are in place. Some of these future billionaires are broke right this moment. They’re launching their ideas into the world right about now. During peak-pandemic, I wrote a viral post that was viewed by millions and quoted / copied dozens of times around the world. The essence of it was that out of those desperate times, a new wave of startups and innovation would be born. We find ourselves in yet another turbulent time (not quite as dramatic!) Nonetheless, out of this chaos.. you guessed it, a new wave of brilliance will emerge. The question you have to ask yourself is- Will you choose to rise up, or will you sit there and complain from afar as the sun rises again? #HappyCanadaDay folks 🇨🇦 Don’t get caught up in the wave of negativity. You’re still one of the VERY lucky ones, I promise. Make it count.. #Canada

On the heels of National Indigenous History Month, this Op-Ed published in the Toronto Star this past weekend, Tabatha Bull, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and Daniel Tisch, APR, FCPRS, ICD.D, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce ask what organizations are doing for the duration of 2024 and beyond to ensure that reconciliation remains a year-round imperative. “Canadian businesses have a responsibility to reestablish vibrant Indigenous economies, promoting economic self-sufficiency, prosperity and socio-economic equality with the rest of Canada. Beyond this responsibility, there is also opportunity and benefit to business, to the economy and to Canada as a whole.” Tabatha and Daniel offer actionable steps related to reconciliation action plans, education and employment, and procurement and investment. Read the full piece here: https://bit.ly/3xy0k30

Did you know that First Nations businesses contribute $16.1 billion dollars annually to the Australian economy while employing 116,000 people? The continued growth of First Nations businesses benefits individual lives and Australia’s economic standing. I urge First Nations and non-Indigenous businesses/individuals to make a submission to the Inquiry into economic self-determination and opportunities for First Nations Australians. The inquiry wants individuals and businesses to discuss the pathways and barriers they see for developing business opportunities for Indigenous individuals and companies. In the consulting sphere, I see exciting opportunities for First Nations businesses on major infrastructure and urban design projects across Australia. Imagine sites across Melbourne describing Wurundjeri connections to the Birrarung, or chronicling the pre- and post-colonial characteristics and development of the land. Imagine murals at every train station, which tell the Dreaming stories specific to the land we’re standing on - each site could explain the formation of Country and its inhabitants according to local clan group lore and beliefs. Imagine First Nations businesses and consultants teaching our fire authorities how they’ve backburned bushland to prevent massive bushfires for over 60,000 years. Imagine First Nations businesses cultivating and selling yam daisies throughout the country. Imagine First Nations businesses delivering cultural awareness programs to corporations across Australia. By investing in the development of First Nations businesses, this is the tomorrow I see. This is an exciting opportunity to have your say on how we can improve First Nations business outcomes, whilst enriching Australia’s cultural and economic landscape. Applications close May 24. https://lnkd.in/gEMNuBma

Immigrants are the driving force behind the economic revival of the Great Lakes region. A new report by Upwardly Global and the American Immigration Council reveals their extraordinary contributions. From creating jobs and stabilizing housing markets to filling critical roles in industries like manufacturing and healthcare, immigrants are powering economic growth. But their impact extends far beyond the economy. They are the heart and soul of their communities, revitalizing neighborhoods, shaping the political landscape, and building a stronger America. Immigrants are essential for population growth in rural areas, support the growing STEM workforce, and drive innovation. Discover the full story and download the report today: https://lnkd.in/dtDSm4CF

Although I left the political arena over a decade ago, my passion for public policy and building a better Canada for future generations remains strong. However, the challenges we face today are mounting. With the incoming U.S. administration signaling a tough stance with trading partners, a Canadian government adrift, weakening consumer demand, and a relentless cost-of-living crisis, many Canadians are grappling with uncertainty and frustration. Amidst these challenges, forums like the annual #HarperEconomicForum, hosted by the Canada Strong & Free Network, provide a vital space for discussing solutions. Taking place this Thursday in Toronto, the forum is led by the talented Adam Bolek and serves as Canada’s premier platform for advancing “ideas pertaining to limited government, free enterprise, individual responsibility and a more robust civil society.” I’m thrilled to be joining entrepreneurial friends and fellow former politicos Nick Kadysh and Morgan Hayduk to discuss the state of entrepreneurship in Canada, with moderation by the dynamic Jennifer M Sloan. It’s an honour to share the stage with such passionate and insightful individuals. I’m also looking forward to hearing from Prime Minister Stephen J. Harper—a leader whose intellect, courage, and vision Canada continues to miss. If you're attending the forum, I’d love to connect and exchange ideas on how we can navigate these turbulent times and help Canada thrive. It's been 12 years since this photo was taken and the Leafs are no closer to winning the cup! #Canada #Economy #Politics

Last week, L'Hon./Hon. Amina GERBA, M.B.A., C.Q.🇨🇦 and I spoke about our report on the progress of Black entrepreneurs in Canada. We firmly believe that Canada’s future prosperity depends on the extent to which we embrace diversity, equity and inclusion, not just as a social priority but as an economic one. Homogeneity, be it in venture capital or business, delivers lower investment returns. Homogeneity is a business risk. Why? When you keep applying the same old “solutions” to the same old problems you get the same results. Canada must be globally creative and competitive if we are to implement the innovations necessary to address our stagnant productivity growth. Diversity is an advantage… it is Canada’s competitive advantage. Our collective prosperity requires that we find ways to ensure that Canada harnesses the full potential of this global opportunity. Our report, observations and recommendations can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eCM8BnK7 Senator Gerba and my statements to colleagues in the Senate about the importance of this economic priority can be found in the video below. #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #DEI #Entrepreneurship #Investment #Innovation #Productivity #Prosperity