Representatives from various organizations under the Economic Equity Alliance convened in Ottawa to discuss the pressing need for better support for self-employed workers in Canada. Led by Nancy Wilson, CEO of the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the alliance outlined the ramifications of excluding self-employed individuals from federal small business policies. This collaborative effort, comprising 12 organizations ranging from chambers of commerce to trade unions, sheds light on the systemic challenges faced by self-employed individuals and proposes actionable recommendations for policy reform.
Nancy Wilson emphasized that traditional chambers of commerce and trade associations have often overlooked the diverse needs of self-employed workers. Despite being a significant segment of the Canadian business landscape, encompassing 2.1 million self-identified women and non-binary entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals frequently find themselves marginalized by policies designed for conventional businesses. This exclusion perpetuates systemic gender and racial discrimination, with a disproportionate impact on women, Black, and Indigenous entrepreneurs.
The Economic Equity Alliance’s report, titled “Invisible Entrepreneurs: The Impact of Small Business Policy Neglect on Self-Employed Individuals,” succinctly delineates the key issues faced by the self-employed. It highlights three fundamental observations: the diverse yet collectively marginalized nature of self-employment, historical neglect in small business policies, and the resulting perpetuation of systemic discrimination. Moreover, the report provides five actionable recommendations aimed at rectifying these disparities, encompassing social policy support, tax reforms, and funding for community organizations.
The press conference featured insights from key stakeholders, including Lisa Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary for Women and Gender Equality, who underscored the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive economy. Tracy Ramsey, representing UNIFOR, emphasized the urgent need for policy adjustments to ensure equitable access to programs such as employment insurance and financial support for self-employed individuals. These sentiments were echoed by Navya Baradi, Executive Director of the National Collective of Women in Business, who emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, particularly students turned entrepreneurs.
Judy Rebick, reflecting on her initial skepticism, highlighted the remarkable collaboration within the alliance, uniting diverse stakeholders under a common cause. Through focus groups and collaborative efforts, the alliance aims to address the isolation and systemic neglect experienced by self-employed individuals while advocating for tangible policy reforms. Rebick emphasized the necessity of pressuring the government to enact meaningful change, particularly in areas such as access to employment insurance and maternity leave for self-employed workers.
As Canada still navigates post-pandemic recovery, addressing the systemic barriers faced by self-employed individuals is paramount to building a resilient and inclusive economy. The collective advocacy and collaborative efforts exemplified by the alliance offer a promising pathway toward meaningful reform, ensuring that no entrepreneur is left behind in Canada’s economic journey.