10/16/2026
How can Canada give growing businesses better access to capital—and Canadians more opportunities to invest in their success? 🇨🇦
In this special reaction episode of the CSE Podcast, CEO Richard Carleton joins host James Black to discuss the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy report, “From Potential to Prosperity: The urgent case for greater investment in Canada’s SMEs,” and what its recommendations could mean for entrepreneurs, investors and Canada’s public markets.
“The world has changed. Securities regulation has not changed with it. It is out of step.” — Richard Carleton
Having provided testimony to the Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy, Richard shares his perspective on the barriers facing small and medium-sized enterprises, including:
• How tax policy can better support investment and business growth.
• Opportunities to broaden investor participation in early-stage financings and review Know-Your-Product rules.
• Why coordination between federal and provincial policymakers is essential to turning recommendations into action.
At stake is Canada’s ability to help promising businesses scale, retain innovation and ownership at home, and give more Canadians the opportunity to participate in that growth.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation to hear why Richard sees a significant opportunity for progress—and what needs to happen next.
📄 [Read the Senate report and recommendations](https://sencanada.ca/en/info-page/parl-45-1/banc-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises)