Economic Opportunities

Racialized communities in Canada particularly Black Canadians, and people of African descent, continue to face ongoing systemic barriers with respect to accessing opportunities in the construction/real estate sector. For instance, Varga, (2021) found that only 14 percent of positions in ownership, partner, and C-level positions in the industry are held by visible minorities.

Concerning home ownership, 2021 data from the CMHC shows that while almost 73% of people own their own homes in Canada, only about 45% of Blacks own their own homes, the lowest level of homeownership amongst any group.

The 2021 Ontario census also found that whilst blacks are the second largest visible minority group in Ontario, they earn the lowest average income for all visible minority groups combined, with an average annual income of $35,580. Given the prevailing housing crisis, homeownership may continue to remain an elusive dream for many in the Black community.

As stakeholders within the BIPOC community, GreenSquareMeter is keen to work with partners and other stakeholders within the construction industry and the wider Canadian Society to dismantle systemic barriers and create economic opportunities for all.