79: The Burton Report on Family Business in Canada 2026

Host Steve Legler speaks with Susan St. Amand, President and CEO of the James A. Burton and Family Foundation, about the upcoming release of the 'Burton Report' on Canadian Family Business. Their conversation explores the vital role family enterprises play in Canada's economy and communities, the challenges surrounding succession and public policy, and the importance of stronger collaboration between enterprising families and government.   All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.   Guest bio Susan St. Amand is President and CEO of the James A. Burton & Family Foundation and Founder of The Sirius Group Inc., based in Ottawa. With more than 30 years of experience advising enterprising families, she is a trusted authority on family enterprise governance, continuity planning, and strategic philanthropy. She is the immediate Past Chair of Family Enterprise Canada (FEC). She has chaired more than six boards while serving on over two dozen others, including the Ottawa Community Foundation, the Ottawa International Airport Authority, the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, CALU, the Institute of Corporate Directors Ottawa Chapter, and a privately held steel company. Susan is also a founding member of the Women for Mental Health campaign at the Royal Ottawa Centre for Mental Health.   You can learn more about Susan St. Amand on LinkedIn and on the James A. Burton Foundation website.   Key Takeaways [1:20] Steve Legler introduces Susan St. Amand, President and CEO of the James A. Burton and Family Foundation. He launches the episode by introducing the Burton Report on Canadian Family Business to the audience.   [2:53] The Burton Report was a long time in the making, Susan explains its genesis, construction, and purpose to support and maintain Canadian enterprises.   [5:28] Family enterprises seed, water, nourish, and grow more entrepreneurs, a necessity in today's economically shifting world.   [6:56] Susan touches on the importance of family enterprise in the changing demographic structure of Canada.   [8:11] Proper data and information are needed for the government to support family businesses effectively.   [10:02] Susan discusses the current information gaps and how to palliate them both on the business and the government sides.   [14:14] Transitions can be scary, but family enterprises think multi-generationally, and as such, provide stability through time. Advisors are critical in creating that long-term vision.   [19:00] Susan shares her thoughts on the role advisors may have in the sale of family enterprises outside of the family or even internationally.   [23:06] Succession planning currently marries poorly with the Canadian Income Tax Act. Susan offers a perspective on overcoming this.   [26:00] Susan shares a vision for family enterprises and their relationship with the government of Canada.   [28:21] Susan explains how the James A. Burton Family Foundation plans to support family enterprises for the economic future of Canada.   [29:47] Susan offers some of the results that enterprising families would be looking for in an amelioration of their relationship with the government.   [32:05] The importance of family enterprises in our very own communities.   [32:48] Susan shares her reading recommendation and a piece of advice for advisors.   [34:36] Steve thanks Susan for sharing some preliminary information on the Burton Report and invites listeners to sign up for Symposium, which will be held May 25‒27 in Vancouver, BC.   If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].   Mentioned in this episode www.ppi.ca James A. Burton Family Foundation Symposium 2026   The History of Money: A Story of Humanity, by David McWilliams   More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn