MONTREAL, February 17, 2025. - The Quebec Business Women's Network (RFAQ) has made its vision loud and clear. Surrounded by key allies in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, we published an open letter in Le Devoir. Here is its content:
The rise of protectionism and the risk of a trade war with the U.S. threaten our economy and businesses. At the same time, a new battle is emerging in response to a presidential executive order aimed at eliminating diversity programs, including those facilitating access to federal contracts for women-owned and underrepresented businesses. This decree marks a drastic break from the tradition of true equal opportunity that has existed in the U.S. since the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Despite being pioneers in supplier diversity, the U.S. is now taking a dangerous step backward. The potential loss of these American contracts is valued at at least $70 billion annually and could also impact Canadian subsidiaries of U.S. multinational companies. Indeed, this EDI witch hunt is already affecting multinational corporations.
An essential economic lever
Policies and commitments to inclusive procurement remain more vital than ever. They strengthen supply chains, promote local purchasing, foster innovation, and make our economy more competitive and inclusive. Despite their strong growth, women-owned businesses remain significantly underrepresented in supply chains. They make up 19.6% of private businesses in Canada but capture less than 10% of public contracts and only 1% of major corporate contracts. This lack of access slows their development and highlights the urgency of expanding their economic opportunities. Equal access to markets should not be seen as a favor but as an essential economic driver.
Women entrepreneurs are ready
The skills and capacity are in place. Since 2018, the federal government has invested $7 billion in women’s entrepreneurship. Women-owned businesses span various sectors, including technology, life sciences, manufacturing, engineering, and professional services.
With the support of the governments of Quebec and Canada and partners like Desjardins, the Réseau des Femmes d’Affaires du Québec (RFAQ) has made significant strides in helping women entrepreneurs navigate inclusive procurement processes and secure contracts in both public and private markets.
The RFAQ has developed innovative technological tools, such as the MAÏA connection platform, which increases visibility for women-led businesses and provides them with real business opportunities. As a recognized leader in Canada and internationally, RFAQ has witnessed firsthand the positive impact and necessity of a more inclusive economy over the past 14 years.
Concrete actions to implement
Now more than ever, we are at a turning point: integrating women-owned businesses into supply chains must become a national economic priority. Achieving this requires collective responsibility from all economic players. Strategic public policies and corporate commitments must accelerate women’s market access and increase their integration into supply chains.
Key measures include:
- Ensuring equal access to economic opportunities through adapted public policies and private programs. Governments and major corporations must integrate clear diversity objectives into their procurement strategies.
- Implementing tax incentives to encourage purchasing from women-led businesses.
- Developing and strengthening technological tools that facilitate connections with buyers. Additionally, training and support initiatives must be expanded to help women entrepreneurs navigate complex procurement processes.
- Accelerating initiatives that promote local and interprovincial purchasing. In 2020, only 10.4% of women-led SMEs sold products or services beyond their home province, underscoring the need to reduce barriers.
- Raising awareness and mobilizing the business community through ambitious awareness campaigns to educate decision-makers, buyers, and entrepreneurs on the economic benefits of diverse procurement.
A collective commitment
Strengthening these mechanisms presents a strategic opportunity to drive economic growth, stimulate innovation, and diversify supply chains. By implementing bold policies and concrete initiatives, we can accelerate women entrepreneurs’ access to markets and build a more competitive, resilient, and inclusive economic ecosystem.
The commitment of policymakers, businesses, and institutions is essential to turning this vision into reality. Entrepreneurial diversity must no longer be seen as a mere representation issue but as a key driver of sustainable growth and economic prosperity.
For businesses, pressures from customers, investors, and employees should not be viewed solely as obligations but as growth opportunities. Adopting this perspective allows supplier diversity to open new markets, drive innovation, and enhance brand reputation.
Additionally, diverse suppliers often bring unique strengths. Many businesses owned by women and minorities offer specialized expertise or niche products that large corporations might otherwise overlook. Collaborating with these suppliers can provide a competitive edge and better meet the diverse needs of customers.
Let’s have the courage to act and defend an economy that harnesses everyone’s full potential.
Ruth Vachon, CEO, Réseau des Femmes d’affaires du Québec
Article co-authored by Louis Edgar Jean-François, President and CEO, Groupe 3737 and Tania Saba, founder and holder of the BMO Chair in Diversity and Governance, University of Montreal.
Maïa Inclusive Growth's role
As a project of the Quebec Business Women’s Network (QBWN/RFAQ), one of our main goals is building awareness and education through training and workshops on an array of topics. So, if you are a large business seeking to overcome challenges and engage with diverse suppliers, we are here to provide you with the information you need and to offer guidance. Maïa Connex is also a platform that serves as a hub for business opportunities across Canada, and we hold networking events along with our partners.
Regardless of where you are in your journey with supplier diversity, we encourage you to sign up for our training programs, which are offered online here :
To take your network of diverse suppliers to the next level, or to facilitate your integration into supply chains, join our platform. We also invite you to sign up to stay tuned for future blog posts. In addition, you will be notified of any updates and upcoming workshops.
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