76 per cent of Canadians think supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs is important for healing: survey
A new survey shows there is strong support for Indigenous entrepreneurs to develop and grow their businesses, with more than three quarters saying it's an important step in healing relationships.
The survey results, which were released in the week before National Indigenous Peoples Day, suggest 79 per cent of Canadians believe Indigenous participation in the economy helps "strengthen the country's social fabric."
The online poll was conducted by Leger on behalf of Sodexo Canada. Results also show 76 per cent believe supporting Indigenous business is an important part in repairing Canada's relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
Part of that, the survey's results suggest, includes Canadian corporations helping Indigenous entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level and providing on-going support like training for Indigenous companies. Of those polled, 71 per cent are in favour of those actions.
"The success of Indigenous businesses clearly matters to Canadians," said Tabatha Bull, president and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, in a news release.
"The fact that Canadians expect the private sector to step up with action to help Indigenous entrepreneurs sends a powerful message to decision makers."
Fifty-nine per cent of those surveyed said they think having robust Indigenous participation in Canada's economy should be prioritized more by governments and the private sector.
Jonathan Kruger, director of Indigenous relations for Sodexo Canada, told CTV News Vancouver the survey results were "a really nice surprise."
"As an Indigenous person it makes me feel really good to see something like this … it shows that we're willing to work together again," he said.
"There's many successful business leaders out there, nations, and I'm very proud of them. There (are) other nations that want to become successful as well and we need to help them."
A survey of 1,589 Canadians was conducted online between May 28 and May 30, 2021. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
Montreal man facing charges following contraband drone drop at Millhaven: OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Nigeria's fashion and dancing styles in the spotlight as Harry, Meghan visit its largest city
Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.