Markham

Others, including Graham Markham, director of a food sector supplier, believe it's about adding value to products Canada already produces.

"We don't process those value-added ingredients into more valuable ingredients here at home," says Mr Markham.

He added that he started his venture capital fund Markham Valley Ventures “primarily to uplift minority entrepreneurs.”

Now, on his day off, he was at Edwin Markham Middle School in Watts to encourage students and hand out backpacks donated by a credit union.

Like Mr Read, Christine Markham says she has become despondent about politics and politicians in general.