CFIB urges premiers to end trade barriers, lower business tax rates
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Orsign-inif you have an account. A man with empty pockets. Photo by ambrits/Adobe StockSee more Toronto Sun on Google —save as a Preferred SourceSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsOTTAWA — While Canada’s premiers prepare to convene in Charlottetown this week, Canada’s small businesses are calling for some relief. Ahead of this week’s Council of the Federation meeting, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is sounding the alarm on issues directly impacting small business owners — specifically concerning theongoing “entrepreneurial drought”that’s seeing business closures far outpace new openings. “Small businesses across Canada are under mounting pressure from every angle,” said the CFIB’s Keyli Loeppky, who explained that global trade uncertainty, rising costs, weak consumer demand, and limited access to capital are all contributing to the death of entrepreneurship in this country. “We’re in an entrepreneurial drought, and Canada cannot afford to keep losing entrepreneurs or discouraging business growth. Governments that want a stronger, more resilient economy must put small business priorities at the centre of their agenda. ”Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againCanada small business closures outpacing new business starts: CFIBBill C-262 would allow Canada-wide postal delivery of beer, wineNo movement on breaking down internal trade barriersThe CFIB is urging Canada’s premiers to support entrepreneurship and economic growth in Canada by delivering federal small business tax relief, and accelerate efforts to tear down internal trade barriers. Reducing the federal business tax rate to six per cent, as well as increasing deduction thresholds to $700,000, would save small business owners upwards of $33,000 per year, the federation claims. And despite provincial and federal politicians — including Prime Minister Mark Carney — making hay out of breaking down provincial trade barriers, the CFIB says very little has been done. Data provided by the CFIB shows 69% of their members reported no improvement over the past year, while 16% said the situation’s only gotten worse. “One of the clearest examples is direct-to-consumer alcohol shipping,” Loeppky said. “Despite broad support and repeated commitments, most provinces have yet to follow through even though the deadline was set for May. They are now 50 days late. When governments fail to deliver on agreed-upon reforms, confidence erodes and businesses are left bearing the consequences. ”That’s the subject of aprivate member’s bill tabled in the House of Commonsby Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna MP Dan Albas,which if passed would allow businesses to ship beer, wine and spirits from one end of Canada to the other. That bill hasmade no movement in the Housesince passing first reading on March 9. bpassifiume@postmedia. comX:@bryanpassifiumeRECOMMENDED VIDEOJoin the ConversationOntarioGolfOther SportsOntarioToronto Blue JaysThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more aboutcookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy.