Small business owners say that managing social distancing (64 per cent), keeping up with cleaning (55 per cent), making customers feel comfortable (53 per cent), knowing what the rules are (52 per cent) and access to PPE (48 per cent) are their top concerns as governments start to lift restrictions and reopen the economy, finds … Read more
Given the current situation and the prolongation of the crisis, the federation sent an open letter to federal MPs this week containing the key recommendations for improving the Canada Emergency Business Account. In particular, it requests that access to the account be widened to include companies that favor dividend income, those that employ contract workers … Read more
With May rent due tomorrow, small business owners are very concerned about whether landlords will take up the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program, according to new survey results from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). CFIB appreciates that the federal and provincial governments have come to the table with significant funding to support commercial … Read more
Small business confidence gained almost 9 index points since the beginning of April to 46.4 on the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’s Business Barometer. An index level nearer to 65 indicates that the economy is growing at its potential. “Small business sentiment is far from being in a state of recovery, but there are some signs of improvement this … Read more
Small business confidence edged up at the start of April after its historic descent in March, gaining just under 7 index points to 37.7 on the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’s Business Barometer. “The small bounce back in business confidence we’ve seen since the beginning of the month is a sign that the raft of unprecedented … Read more
Dan Kelly, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, issued a statement: “While the CFIB is pleased that government has confirmed the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy will be available to firms of all sizes and structures, including sole proprietorships and partnerships, there are several design features and unanswered questions that may prevent the program from meeting its intended … Read more
Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) about small business concerns about ongoing rail blockades: “We have been contacted by several members who are worried about the impact on their business if these blockades are not resolved immediately,” wrote Kelly. “CFIB … Read more
The immigration system is not meeting the needs of small- and medium-sized employers who are facing significant labour shortages, finds a new report, Workers without borders: Addressing SME labour shortages through immigration, by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. “Employers who use the immigration system to fill a vacancy face a complex web of red tape … Read more
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is urging all federal political parties to put forward policies that make it more affordable to own, operate and pass on a small business, including fair tax treatment of family succession, lowering payroll taxes, and reducing red tape. “This year’s budget is an opportunity for all sides to work … Read more
CFIB Vice-President of National Affairs Jasmin Guénette issued the following statement on the 2019 federal fiscal update: “The federal government’s commitment to raising the Basic Personal Exemption limit to $15,000 is good news for Canadians facing cost of living increases. However, we caution the government that those savings will likely be offset by the incoming increases … Read more
