CFIB survey reveals the key measures that would support business growth
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Canada’s small businesses need the next federal government to help support their economic growth and have set out the ways that needs to be done.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is delivering letters to the federal parties from around 9,000 small business owners across the country.
The measures they would like to see in election commitments include:
- Reducing the costs of hiring and training by lowering the EI rate for small firms or introducing an EI holiday for youth between the ages of 15 to 24
- Addressing the growing tax burden by slowing down or halting additional CPP increases after 2019
- Repealing the federal carbon tax and instead working with each province to find a way to address climate change that minimizes any negative impacts on small businesses
- Making it as easy to sell a business to a family member as it is to a stranger
- Cutting red tape in policies, guidelines and legislation, and improving government services
- Supporting family-run small businesses by exempting spouses from the new income splitting rules
- Reversing new rules on passive investment income
- Putting in place a plan to balance the budget within the next five years
“Small business owners are an important voter demographic and they are already engaged in the coming election,” said CFIB president Dan Kelly. “They want to see all parties put forward measures that address their biggest concerns around affordability, labour and financing. They’re not asking for government handouts, but they are looking for careful consideration and common-sense.”
Kelly added that politicians should listen to the voices of Canada’s small business owners who create jobs, support their communities, and keep the economy running.
“We look forward to a spirited campaign from all parties and will be watching closely to ensure that small business priorities are front and centre leading into Election Day,” added Kelly. “CFIB will be there to make sure the next government makes good on their promises.”
