A new report from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) argues that strengthening Indigenous participation in both public and private procurement is essential to accelerating reconciliation.

The third report from A Way Forward: Ontario’s Path Towards Economic Reconciliation, Equity, and Inclusive Growth calls for embedding inclusion and accountability across public, private, and not-for-profit procurement systems. It emphasizes the need for early engagement, cultural understanding, and dedicated support to ensure that meaningful opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs are not only accessible but also lead to equitable outcomes.

Despite being a vital part of Canada’s economy, with an estimated 74,000 to 115,000 enterprises, the organizations say many Indigenous businesses to face systemic barriers to procurement opportunities. As Canada navigates economic uncertainty and growing trade pressures, inclusive procurement is a powerful lever to support Indigenous entrepreneurship and strengthen local industries.

“Without equitable access to procurement, economic reconciliation isn’t real,” said Daniel Tisch, OCC President and CEO. “By understanding the barriers facing Indigenous businesses and helping them navigate complex procurement systems, public institutions, private companies, and not-for-profits can support Indigenous self-determination and build shared prosperity.”

The report’s key recommendations include:

• Enforcing Indigenous participation commitments when bids include Indigenous content requirements and ensuring that accountability extends beyond economic metrics to support long-term partnerships and reconciliation outcomes across all sectors.
• Enhancing access to cultural competency training at every level of an organization to raise awareness of Indigenous inclusion and support Indigenous businesses in navigating complex procurement systems, whether public or private, through mentorship, education, and access to digital tools and networks.
• Engaging early with Indigenous communities and building trust through workshops, training, and alignment with Indigenous governance and economic development plans improves project outcomes and ensures mutual benefit.
• Expanding onboarding and mentorship supports to ensure that Indigenous entrepreneurs, particularly those operating on reserve or through community-owned ventures, can navigate procurement systems, compete effectively, and receive feedback to improve future bids. Tailored supports can reduce entry barriers and expand participation across public and organizational supply chains.

“Indigenous businesses are deeply rooted in community, and procurement can be a powerful economic tool to generate lasting, positive impacts,” said Angela Mark, CCIB Director of Research. “When Indigenous entrepreneurs are meaningfully included in procurement opportunities, it leads to economic growth and prosperity that strengthens communities across Canada. This report provides actionable recommendations to create a more inclusive procurement space, fostering greater Indigenous participation that benefits all Canadians.”

The Way Forward series builds on the Sharing Prosperity resource and aligns with the pillars of the National Indigenous Economic Strategy and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92.

Future reports will focus on lands and resources, and infrastructure and communities.