I asked Microsft’s Copilot the following question: “In Canada, what would be the top ten issues social entrerprises could focus on? Please specify these in order from most important to least important, if possible.” Here below is the response.

Sure! Here are the top ten issues that social enterprises in Canada could focus on, ranked from most important to least important:

1. Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability: Addressing climate change through renewable energy, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices.
3. Affordable Housing: Providing affordable housing solutions to combat homelessness and housing insecurity.
5. Healthcare Access: Improving access to healthcare services, especially in remote and underserved communities.
7. Mental Health and Well-being: Promoting mental health awareness and providing support services for mental well-being.
9. Education and Skills Development: Enhancing access to quality education and vocational training for all age groups.
11. Food Security: Ensuring access to nutritious food through sustainable agriculture and food distribution programs.
13. Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation: Supporting Indigenous communities and promoting reconciliation efforts.
15. Social Inclusion and Diversity: Fostering inclusive communities and promoting diversity in all sectors.
17. Youth Empowerment: Providing opportunities and support for youth development and leadership.
19. Economic Development and Job Creation: Creating job opportunities and supporting local economic growth through social enterprises

The response concluded with: “These issues are critical for building a more equitable and sustainable future in Canada. Social enterprises can play a significant role in addressing these challenges and making a positive impact on society.”

Examples

I asked: “Can you provide examples of successful social enterprises in Canada?”

Absolutely! Here are a few examples of successful social enterprises in Canada:

1. Aisle: A Vancouver-based for-profit B Corp that specializes in sustainable menstrual products. Their mission is to create the most comfortable, sustainable, and effective reusable menstrual products in the world.
3. 10C Shared Space: Located in Guelph, Ontario, this hub supports community activators and changemakers. They offer facilities like a kitchen to help people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds develop local food ventures.
5. Lu’ma Native Housing Society: Based in Vancouver, BC, this social enterprise provides a range of services to improve the social determinants of health. They are opening an urban Indigenous pharmacy with a ‘Two-Eyed Seeing’ care model.
7. ME to WE: A social enterprise that provides products and experiences that make an impact. They support WE Charity’s work by donating half of their profits to support their partner communities.
9. Common Good Solutions: A consulting firm based in Nova Scotia that helps social enterprises and non-profits grow and succeed. They provide training, coaching, and resources to support social impact.
11. TurnAround Couriers: A Toronto-based courier service that employs at-risk youth, providing them with job opportunities and work experience.
13. Building Up: A Toronto-based social enterprise that provides training and employment in the construction industry for individuals facing barriers to employment.
15. Textbooks for Change: A social enterprise that collects and distributes used textbooks to students in need, both locally and internationally.
17. The Cleaning Solution: A Vancouver-based social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for individuals with mental health challenges.
19. Impact Hub Ottawa: A co-working space and community hub that supports social entrepreneurs and innovators in Ottawa

I then asked the following question: “Would you include Water First in this list?”

Absolutely! Water First is a fantastic example of a successful social enterprise in Canada. They work in partnership with Indigenous communities to address local water challenges through education, training, and meaningful collaboration. Their programs focus on providing sustainable access to safe, clean water, which is a critical issue in many Indigenous communities across Canada1. Water First’s initiatives include training water treatment operators, strengthening technical capacity for water and fish resource management, and engaging Indigenous youth in water science careers. Their work has a significant impact on improving water quality and access in these communities.Given their important mission and successful track record, Water First definitely deserves a spot on the list of successful social enterprises in Canada.