Corinne Pohlmann, executive vice president of advocacy at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), has criticized the federal government’s lack of ambition for small businesses this last parliamentary session, despite its willingness to take swift action on big businesses’ large-scale projects.
Among small businesses that CFIB surveyed in the context of this last parliamentary session:
- 73 percent felt that the federal government did not support them
- 58 percent still felt pressure from increasing fuel costs
- 55 percent would not suggest starting a business at present
- 48 percent reported that taxes were squeezing margins
- 43 percent found it difficult to do business due to economic/political uncertainty and other operating costs
CFIB conducted its “Your Voice – April 2026” survey online from Apr. 9–27.
“Parliament may be taking a summer break, but small business owners don't get one,” Pohlmann said in CFIB’s media release. “Ottawa has had every opportunity to lower the costs of doing business this past session, but it chose not to.”
CFIB acknowledged a number of positive steps the federal government took in the spring economic update, including decreasing Canada pension plan premiums and making the employee ownership trust tax exemption permanent.
However, CFIB lamented the Canadian government’s lack of effort to improve conditions for small businesses.
CFIB’s suggestions
Upon Parliament’s return in the fall, CFIB encouraged it to focus on Main Street. Specifically, CFIB asked Parliament to:
- Lower the federal small business tax rate to six percent from nine percent
- Raise the small business deduction threshold to $700,000
- Reduce the employment insurance premium rate for smaller employers
- Introduce two-for-one rules to federal regulations to advance regulatory modernization
“With Canada facing an entrepreneurial drought, government needs to encourage entrepreneurship, not ignore it,” said Jasmin Guenette, CFIB’s vice president of national affairs, in CFIB’s media release. “Small firms need meaningful tax relief, less red tape, and a government that acts.”
As an association of small and medium-sized businesses, CFIB has 103,000 members spanning all industries and regions. CFIB aims to help business owners succeed by advocating for policy improvements at all government levels, offering relevant advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings.