Toronto, ON – November 5, 2025

The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC, formerly CGLCC) welcomes the Federal Budget 2025’s commitments to strengthen the Canadian economy and expand opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Initiatives such as the new Buy Canada Policy and the Small and Medium Business Procurement Program signal a meaningful shift toward ensuring Canadian businesses are central to public procurement and economic growth.

CQCC is encouraged by the government’s recognition of the vital role that Canadian SMEs play in innovation and job creation. These initiatives – along with meaningful investments in export diversification, increased access to growth capital, as well as dedicated investments to entrepreneurs and professionals in the arts and creative industries – will create new opportunities and meaningful growth for entrepreneurs across the country.

“We are optimistic about what these new investments mean for Canadian entrepreneurs and the economy as a whole,” said Darrell Schuurman, CEO of CQCC. “Our focus now is ensuring that these opportunities are intentionally inclusive of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and other diverse suppliers who drive innovation, strengthen supply chains, and create meaningful community impact.”

CQCC is particularly encouraged by:

• The Buy Canada Policy, which strengthens the obligation to prioritize Canadian goods and services;
• A $79.9 million investment in the new Small and Medium Business Procurement Program, designed to increase SME access to federal procurement opportunities; 
• Canada’s Trade Diversification Strategy, which seeks to double non-U.S. exports toward a goal of $300 billion more in trade, while making major investments in opening new markets for Canadian businesses; and
• The $660.5 million investment over five years into the Department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) to support gender equality and 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including $54.6 million dedicated to 2SLGBTQI+ initiatives, demonstrating meaningful progress toward a more inclusive economy.

CQCC will continue to advocate for all of these programs and initiatives to be implemented in ways that directly support 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and business owners.

“Canada’s global competitiveness depends on innovation, resilience, and equity,” added Schuurman. “Queer entrepreneurs are essential to that vision. We urge the government to embed supplier diversity requirements into all federal procurement frameworks, including those for infrastructure and defence, to ensure that inclusion remains at the heart of Canada’s economic growth.

CQCC remains committed to working alongside government, industry, and community partners to ensure that the benefits of Budget 2025 reach Canada’s 100,000+ 2SLGBTQI+-owned businesses who are actively and impactfully contributing to the nation’s prosperity.

Upcoming Event

CQCC will host a virtual discussion on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET with Darrell Schuurman, CQCC CEO, and Randy Boissonnault, member of CQCC’s Government Relations Committee, to unpack the implications of Budget 2025 for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.

Pre-registration is required here.

About the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC)

CQCC is a national non-profit organization representing Canada’s 100,000+ 2SLGBTQI+-owned businesses. Its goal is to create positive social change by economically empowering the 2SLGBTQI+ community through entrepreneurship. CQCC works to create a truly inclusive economy where all 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and entrepreneurs have access and the opportunity to actively participate.

Media Contact

Julie-Léonora Kesch
Director, Marketing & Communications
416-761-5151 x127
julie-leonora.kesch@queerchamber.ca