The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) has signed an MOU with York University — Canada’s third largest — to create a social procurement portal for Black-owned businesses to become vendors at the school.

With York University building a 10-storey, 400,000-square-foot campus in Markham in 2024, the timing is spot on. And through its procurement policy, in which $5.8 million has been spent with York region businesses, Black apprentices are finding jobs at Stuart Olson, one of Canada’s largest construction firms.

“CBCC is excited to sign the MOU with our natural partner York University. At CBCC, we actively seek to promote and improve trade and commerce as well as the economic, civic, and social welfare of Black and Afro-Canadians. We develop programs aimed at creating a high level of economic awareness at all community, educational, and political levels for the benefit of our members,” Jamila Aman, executive director of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement.

A panel discussion about inclusive economic recovery was held following the announcement Monday (March 13).

The panel included: Doug Minter (centre), management consultant and Elevate program manager at the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce; Olu Villasa (right), manager at the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance at Black Creek Community Health Centre; Anne Jamieson, senior manager of inclusive employment at United Way Greater Toronto; and Carol McAulay, vice president of finance and administration at York University.

Through its social procurement policy, its website shows the university has spent more than $7.25 million on at least 14 construction and renovation projects, providing those opportunities to diverse vendors in York. Additionally, 58 apprentices have secured roles and logged more than 43,000 hours of experience since 2022.

Both organizations are collaborating to break barriers for entrepreneurs and students in skilled trades. The goal is to develop sustainable opportunities for people of colour and underserved groups, according to a statement.

“As an anchor institution, we have an opportunity and an obligation to lead by example and maximize our economic and social impact on the communities around us,” Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor at York University, said in a statement. “I want to congratulate York’s social procurement team and the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce on this milestone agreement aimed at levelling the playing field for Black-owned businesses and social enterprises.”