And they say small businesses should pay lower taxes than larger firms
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and Canadians are resolute in their support for entrepreneurs.
More than 9 in 10 respondents to a survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses said that that small businesses are vital to their communities.
"Canadians value entrepreneurs and the contributions they make to their communities. One in two are even considering starting a business one day," said Corinne Pohlmann, CFIB's senior vice-president of national affairs. "We should be supporting small business owners and encouraging those who are thinking of making the leap. Eight out of 10 Canadians say that governments undervalue the contributions of entrepreneurs. As they prepare their agenda for the new Parliament, the incoming government needs to recognise that most Canadians stand firmly behind small businesses and see them as vital to their communities."
Respondents said they respect small business owners – along with farmers – ahead of government and large businesses.
They cited employing locally (84%) and increasing the economic vibrancy among the top ways that small businesses contribute to their economies.
Most (88%) believe that small businesses should be subjected to a lower tax rate than larger businesses.
Small business support
CFIB is calling for more support for small businesses including making it easier for small business owners to transfer or sell their business to their children.
It also urges finding new ways to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses, such as working closely with provinces on improving free trade within Canada.
"The government has the opportunity to start fresh with the small business community and show them that they hear their concerns," added Pohlmann. "We saw some great ideas come out of every party's platform so we're excited to work with all MPs to put in place policies that support small businesses."
96% of Canadians say small business is important to Canada’s future. With Parliament back in session on December 5, #CFIB encourages the new federal government to put #smallbiz at the centre of its agenda 🌱 https://t.co/ygEJ9InbUq pic.twitter.com/9wm2CeaYJc
— CFIB Buzz (@CFIBbuzz) November 13, 2019
