TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Against the backdrop of a slowing economy, weak productivity growth, and growing uncertainty following the latest Federal Budget announcement, the Chartered Business Valuators Institute (“CBV Institute” or “the Institute”) consulted Chartered Business Valuators (CBVs) across the country to capture their perspectives on the economic landscape and their bold ideas to strengthen Canada’s long-term competitiveness.
As trusted professionals with expertise in business valuation, transaction and strategic advisory, CBVs play a vital role in building the Canadian economy by protecting capital, catalyzing private investment, and maximizing returns for business owners and investors. Their work helps level the playing field for businesses of all sizes, providing accurate and defensible valuations that fuel competitiveness, support business growth, and contribute to Canada’s prosperity.
CBVs also offer a unique lens on the pressures shaping Canadian businesses, from inflation and interest rates, to succession planning and cross-border M&A activity. Their insights provide both a pulse on the market and a roadmap for business resilience, reinforcing the importance of trusted valuations in driving economic confidence and sustainable growth.
“CBVs contribute to the Canadian economy by providing greater confidence in the fairness and reasonableness of economic transactions,” said Chris Polson, Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. “Business owners, investors and regulators all rely upon CBVs to diligently transform financial data into an estimate of economic value – a critical function in any financial system.”
The Role of Valuation in Strengthening the Economy
With more than 60 per cent of Canadian businesses being family-owned, CBVs are increasingly pivotal in helping entrepreneurs navigate ownership transitions, access liquidity solutions, and plan for succession with confidence.
“CBVs play a vital role in strengthening the Canadian economy by supporting the growth and sustainability of family-owned enterprises, which form the backbone of our business community,” said Adam Carter, Director, Business Advisory & Transition Planning at BMO. “They provide objective and trusted advice that helps entrepreneurs access liquidity solutions, make informed strategic decisions, and plan for succession with confidence.”
Why Valuation Matters to Canadian Businesses
CBVs act as a bridge between market sentiment and business decision-making, offering clarity when businesses face ambiguity. They bring credibility and integrity to financial decisions, ensuring that transactions are fair and reflective of true value.
“The work of CBVs plays a vital role in facilitating decision-making that helps move the economy, industry, and business forward,” said Ivy Tse, Managing Director at Secretariat.
“By equipping business owners with the tools to navigate complex financial and operational challenges, CBVs contribute directly to productivity, resilience, and long-term growth,” added Carter. “This, in turn, helps Canadian enterprises thrive in an increasingly competitive global market, enhancing both prosperity at home and recognition of Canadian business leadership on the world stage.”
A Better Tomorrow: Innovation and Long-Term Success
When asked how Canada can overcome today’s economic challenges and bolster its global competitiveness, CBVs shared several bold recommendations. Their insights focus on innovation, smarter tax incentives, streamlined regulation and fostering entrepreneurship.
“CBVs are experts in creative problem solving. It’s great to see CBVs thinking outside the box about how we can continue to innovate, foster entrepreneurship, and compete on a global scale,” said Dr. Christine Sawchuk, MEd, EdD, CPA, CA, CBV, President & CEO, CBV Institute. “Bold ideas like these will help strengthen Canada at a time of great economic uncertainty.”
Additional Perspectives from CBVs Include:
Incentives/Tax Policy
- Restructure personal and corporate tax rates to improve competitiveness.
- Reward entrepreneurs with lower taxes and investment incentives that reflect the risks they take.
- Offer tax credits to help SMEs adopt productivity-enhancing technologies.
Reducing Red Tape/Investment
- Streamline regulatory processes for infrastructure and large-scale investment projects.
Supporting Innovation/New Economy Growth
- Shift focus from traditional industries toward sectors like technology, information, and healthcare.
- Provide direct support for startups and expand angel investor funding to help entrepreneurs bring innovations to market.
Employee/Succession Considerations
- Strengthen support for Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) and shorten payback periods for business transitions.
- Encourage policies that make ownership transitions smoother for both founders and employees.
International Trade/Partnerships
- Strengthen trading relationships in Asia and enhance Canada’s positioning as a leader in carbon capture and green energy.
Leveraging Technology/AI
- Encourage the adoption of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, decision-making, and education across professional sectors.
To find out more on how CBVs are driving business growth and economic resilience in Canada, visit: www.cbvinstitute.com.
About CBV Institute
CBV Institute is a not-for-profit accreditation body and professional oversight organization leading the Chartered Business Valuator profession, Canada’s only designation dedicated to business valuation since 1971.
CBV Institute upholds rigorous training and accreditation standards. With 4,000 Members and Registered Students across Canada and around the world, the Institute is dedicated to advancing the profession in the public interest and upholding the highest standards of business valuation practice through education, accreditation, and governance.
For more information on CBV Institute, visit: www.cbvinstitute.com
About the CBV Designation
The Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) designation is a globally recognized business valuation accreditation and the benchmark of excellence in the profession. Holders of the prestigious CBV designation have the skills and expertise to meet the challenging and ever-evolving dynamics and complexities of business valuation. The integrity of the CBV designation is grounded in CBV Institute’s world-class Program of Studies and Membership Qualification Examination. Stringent Institute standards are upheld through annual professional requirements, including adherence to a Code of Ethics, participation in a practice inspection program, and continuing professional development requirements.
CBVs are internationally recognized by Courts, tribunals, and securities regulators as experts in business valuation and related financial matters.
For more on the CBV accreditation, visit: www.cbvinstitute.com/become-a-cbv/
Find a CBV through the CBV Institute Membership Directory: https://cbvinstitute.com/find/
Contacts
Media Contacts:
Keera Hart
Vice President, Kaiser & Partners
[email protected]
905-580-1257
CBV Institute Contact:
Kevin Floether
MCM, CM
Director, Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
416-613-9557
