Madam Speaker, again, the member knows that a business can be removed from the indigenous business directory for a whole host of reasons. We heard specific examples from witnesses who came forward to speak in committee, such as a status card expiring.
Again, there are some leaps being made here. The minister has also committed to an external audit of the program to encourage the ongoing improvement in collaboration with partners, as well as always listening to those indigenous leaders, not only when it benefits the narrative that they are trying to spin. The continued exclusion of indigenous people from our economy costs the Canadian economy $27.7 billion every year. The Indigenomics Institute projects that the indigenous economy has the potential to grow from $32 billion to $100 billion in the next five years.
When first nations, Inuit and Métis communities have access to economic opportunities, we all benefit, and that is what this program is about. It seems that we all agree that such initiatives as the 5% minimum target are important and worth protecting. As I already said, we will continue to improve and support the program, to make sure it is delivering for first nations, Inuit and Métis businesses and communities.