Strengthening Indigenous participation in both public and private procurement is essential to accelerating reconciliation, according to a new report from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB).

In the third report from A Way Forward: Ontario’s Path Towards Economic Reconciliation, Equity, and Inclusive Growth, the OCC and CCIB offer practical tools for Ontario businesses and institutions to advance reconciliation. The report 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 must lead to equitable outcomes.

Despite being a vital part of Canada’s economy, with an estimated 74,000 to 115,000 Indigenous enterprises, many businesses continue 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, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “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.”

Key recommendations include:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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, Director of Research at Canadian Council for Indigenous Business. “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.

OCC and CCIB extend their gratitude to their Indigenous Advisory Committee, the CCIB Research team, and the series’ lead partners: Hydro One, BMO, Bruce Power, CN, and Meridian. They also thank presenting partner, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and supporting partners, BDC and Ontario Power Generation.