25 September 2024
I call for the renewal of initiatives for black communities in Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister of Finance

Department of Finance Canada

90 Elgin Street

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G5

Dear Deputy Prime Minister,

We write to urge you to secure and sustain investment in Canadian Black Communities in the upcoming Fall Economic Statement. These crucial investments will advance Canada's economic recovery, reduce poverty, tackle systemic racism, and prevent the erosion of gains made over the last four years through unprecedented investments that have made Canada more equitable.

Canada stands at a pivotal moment in its commitment to addressing systemic inequalities facing Black communities. Over the past few years, the federal government has made significant investments totaling over $800 million through three flagship programs:

These initiatives have yielded remarkable results:

• BEP has catalyzed the launch and expansion of over 5,000 Black-owned businesses, resulting in the creation of more than 3,800 high-quality jobs and generating an impressive $220 million in revenue. The Loan Fund has disbursed over $40 million in loans and approved more than $50 million, providing critical financial support to Black entrepreneurs across the country.

• SBCCI has built a better quality of grassroot Black NPOs

with investments of $200 million these investments have helped create more than 2,900 jobs and 20,130 volunteers, generate more than $392 million revenue, and enhance the capacity of over 1,500 Black NPOs across Canada.

• The Black-Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, in just under two years, has already distributed over $10 million and will grant an additional $11 million to reach a total of over 250 Black non-profits and charities, fostering long-term community development by March 2025.

Despite their undeniable success, these programs face critical threats:

• BEP's funding is set to expire on March 31, 2025.

• SBCCI is scheduled to conclude on March 31, 2025.

• The Black-Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, despite its intended permanence, operates under a 10-year agreement that the government can terminate at will.

The potential loss of these programs would halt progress and could reverse the gains made in addressing long-standing disparities. It would impact hundreds of thousands of Black families, businesses, and communities across Canada who currently benefit from these essential supports. The loss of tens of millions of dollars in direct support to Black non-profits would jeopardize critical resources and programs in communities, such as family support initiatives. Moreover, loss of support for Black businesses at a time when we need to continue investing in their capacity building and access to capital, will jeopardize the inclusive growth of Canada's economic recovery and future prosperity.

We call on you as the Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister to acknowledge the importance of this important work and these programs and ensure their continuation and enhancement. Canada must commit to sustaining these vital investments that will protect and advance the progress made by Black communities across Canada.

Specifically, we urge the Ministry of Finance and the government of Canada to:

In conclusion, we urge Canada to continue to invest in Black communities which will support Canada's economic growth, social cohesion and a more equitable future for all. We look forward to seeing these commitments reflected in the upcoming Fall Economic Statement and future government actions.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,

135
signatures
124 verified
  1. Christelle Mokoko, Regional Advisor, Groupe3737, Edmonton
  2. Darryl King, South Shore Youth Organization, Montreal
  3. Akilah Newton, Overture with the Arts, Pierrefonds-Roxboro
  4. Alix Adrien, Educator, QBBE, Montreal
  5. Ndungo Kamavu, Administrator, CDAI, Longueuil
  6. Raeanne Francis, Managing Director, Black Community Resource Centre, Montreal
  7. Phygelle Obas, Directrice, Fondation Jeunesse et Perspectives, Terrebonne
  8. Joan Lee, President, West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA), Roxboro
  9. Asma Heurtelou, CPAM radio Montréal, Montréal
  10. Prévost Jantchou, Président, Fondation Inspire, Montreal
  11. Rebeca Irazabal, Admin assistant, Groupe 3737, Montreal
  12. Rebeca Irazabal, admin assistant, Groupe 3737, Montréal
  13. Eric Gloutnez, VP Exploitation, Groupe 3737, Montréal
  14. Brian Smith, Consultant, Brian Smith, Montreal
  15. Joseph Kiirya, Executive Director, Stepstone House, Ottawa
  16. Keslie Datus, Directrice, Keslie Datus, Montréal
  17. jean baptiste nyabyenda, Fondateur, FESTIBEC AFRO-BLACK WEB TV, longueuil
  18. Landry Doué, Directeur, FONDALIS CANADA, Sherbrooke
  19. Cezar Brumeanu, Producteur, Un Goût des Caraïbes Inc., Montreal
  20. Fatou, Fina'cier, Fondation zaduul moucafir, Terrebonne
...
84 more
verified signatures
  1. Sonia Clarke, Directrice, École Nationale de Danse du Canada, Dorval
  2. Johnny Filosca-Pierre, Directeur, Alliance Socioculturelle et Aide Pédagogique, Montréal
  3. Witchner Orméus, Directeur exécutif, Alter Action Jeunesse, Montréal
  4. CLAUDE (CHUPENGA, Fondateur et directeur général, Centre International de l'Espoir (CIE), MONTRÉAL
  5. Francis Bissonnette, Président, Batimatech, Montréal
  6. Albert Tatchemo, Président, Association Pouahom Canada, Montréal
  7. Wilfried Kabeya, Administrateur, Les amis du monde, Montreal
  8. Marc Hérold Saint-Hillien, Président, Association Haitiano-Canado-Québécoise d'Aide aux Démunis, Saint-Léonard
  9. Fabiola Theodore, Codirectrice, Zen dans ma tĂŞte, Montreal
  10. Manuela Rigaud Theodore, Codirectrice, Zen dans ma tĂŞte, Montreal
  11. Crisandra Garcia, DGA, Groupe 3737, Montreal
  12. Donald Alexandre, Trésorier, Centre Communautaire Vie Transformée, Saint-Hyacinthe
  13. Donald Alexandre, Président, Centre de Services des Organismes Chrétiens, Saint-Hyacinthe
  14. Marie-Noëlle Ekollo, Institut Neoquébec, Montréal
  15. Karin Hazé, Founder/Executive Director, 75 SHOTS Pocket Cinema, Montreal
  16. Mirlaine Dorce-Breton, Coordonnatrice générale, Femmes en Emploi, Laval
  17. Carla Beauvais, Directrice générale, Fondation Dynastie, Montréal
  18. Ushana Houston, Directrice de la stratégie et des communications, Réseau de développement et de prévention afro-canadien (RDPAC), Montréal
  19. Rose Kerline Camille, présidente, Nous sommes Hayti, montreal
  20. Marcelin Delice, président, Seconde nature ateliers, montreal
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