Supplier diversity around the world · Canada
Supplier Diversity in Canada
Canada runs its own supplier diversity ecosystem, separate from the US one. Four national councils certify diverse-owned businesses, corporate supplier diversity programs operating in Canada recognize those certifications, and the federal government requires a minimum share of its contract spending to go to Indigenous businesses.
By Mario Bailey, Editor-in-Chief · Reviewed against official Canadian sources · Last verified July 2026
Quick answer
Supplier diversity in Canada runs on its own certifications, not US ones. CAMSC certifies Aboriginal- and minority-owned businesses; WBE Canada certifies women-owned businesses; Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) certifies LGBTQ+-owned businesses; IWSCC certifies veteran- and disability-owned businesses. Certification requires at least 51% ownership by the diverse group, and corporate supplier diversity programs operating in Canada recognize these certificates.
Certifying bodies in Canada
Each body certifies a different ownership category and runs its own application, documentation review, and site assessment. Start with the one that matches your ownership.
CAMSC
Aboriginal- and minority-owned businesses
The Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council certifies businesses at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by Aboriginal peoples or visible minorities, and connects them to its network of corporate members.
Official site ↗WBE Canada
women-owned businesses
Women Business Enterprises Canada Council certifies Canadian businesses at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by women, and connects them to corporate and government buyers.
Official site ↗Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
LGBTQ+-owned businesses
Certifies businesses at least 51% LGBTQ+ owned, operated, and controlled, the Canadian counterpart to NGLCC's LGBTBE certification in the US.
Official site ↗IWSCC
veteran- and disability-owned businesses
The Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada certifies businesses owned by veterans and people with disabilities for corporate supply chains.
Official site ↗How certification works
The shape is the same across certifying bodies: prove at least 51% ownership by the diverse group with corporate documents, financials, and owner identification; complete the review, which for most bodies also tests management and control and may include a site assessment. Fees vary by council and revenue tier. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce puts the typical cost in the range of CAD $750 a year; check each council's current fee schedule before applying.
Government procurement
Since 2021, the Government of Canada requires federal departments and agencies to award a minimum of 5% of the total value of their contracts to Indigenous businesses. The requirement phased in from fiscal year 2022-23, with departments expected to meet it by fiscal year 2024-25. Indigenous Services Canada publishes the planned and actual results each year.
Selling into US and global corporate supply chains
Many corporate supplier diversity programs are run by US-headquartered multinationals whose programs extend to Canadian operations, so a Canadian certification is often the entry point to the same buyers. For women-owned firms selling outside Canada, WEConnect International certifies women-owned businesses in over 100 countries for global corporate supply chains.
WEConnect International
Certifies businesses at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by women in over 100 countries, and connects them to member buyers running global supplier diversity programs.
WEConnect International ↗Get found by buyers with global programs
US and multinational buyers use our directory to source certified diverse suppliers. List your certified Canadian business so their programs can find you.
Join the supplier directory → · How buyers source suppliers →Frequently asked questions
Is there one Canadian diverse-supplier certification?
No. Like the US, Canada has separate certifications by ownership type: CAMSC for Aboriginal- and minority-owned firms, WBE Canada for women-owned, CGLCC for LGBTQ+-owned, and IWSCC for veteran- and disability-owned. Each council runs its own application, documentation review, and site assessment, and each requires at least 51% ownership, management, and control by the diverse group.
What does certification cost in Canada?
Fees vary by council and by company revenue tier. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce puts the typical cost in the range of CAD $750 per year. Check each council's current fee schedule before applying, since tiers change.
Do Canadian certifications work for US corporate programs?
Often, yes, for the buyer's Canadian operations: many US multinationals run their supplier diversity programs across North America and recognize CAMSC or WBE Canada certification for Canadian spend. For contracts with US entities directly, buyers typically expect a US certification (NMSDC, WBENC) or a global one such as WEConnect International. Ask the specific program which certificates it counts.
Is supplier diversity required by the Canadian government?
Only in part. The 5% Indigenous procurement minimum is a binding federal requirement; the rest of Canadian supplier diversity is voluntary and corporate-driven, led by the four councils' corporate members.
Other markets
Doing business in the United States?
US certifications (8(a), MBE, WBE, and the rest) have their own eligibility rules and issuing bodies. Our US guide compares every one.
The US certification guide →