The Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism and the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) have announced a formal commitment to work together to remove anti-black systemic barriers the two groups say are hindering the success of black-owned businesses across Canada.
“By joining forces, we can more effectively advocate for change that will put black-owned business on equal footing with their peers,” said Wes Hall founder and chairman of the council.
Last month, Hall formed the council and launched the BlackNorth Initiative as a means to increase the representation of blacks in boardrooms and executive suites across Canada.
Co-chairs are Victor Dodig, president and CEO of CIBC, Prem Watsa, chairman and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings, and Rola Dagher, president and CEO of Cisco Systems Canada.
“The BlackNorth Initiative has been created to use business acumen and process to address anti-black systemic racism,” said Hall. “Black-owned businesses, of all sizes, represented by the CBCC experience a unique set of business-related systemic barriers that hinder their success — impediments that both organizations are committed to removing.
According to a release from the two organizations, black-owned businesses represent millions of dollars of economic activity, as well as a unique set of experiences and economic potential.
“Due to systemic racism, poor access to capital and economic marginalization, many black-owned businesses are challenged, even in the best of times. The intersectionality of the pandemic and anti-black systemic racism creates significant impediments for black-owned businesses across the country.
CBCC president Andria Barrett added that “black entrepreneurs and businesses face unique barriers in accessing capital, supply chains and export programs compared to our non-black counterparts.
‘We also want to work with corporations on supplier diversity. Our work supporting, training and advocating on behalf of black-owned businesses across the country can only be amplified by partnering with the BlackNorth Initiative.
“BlackNorth, in partnership with the CBCC will not only open doors for businesses in the Black community but will also strengthen work advocating Corporate Canada and the federal government for procurement opportunities for black-owned businesses.”
