Red Tape Awareness Week™ 2013 – The revolution is getting stronger
When it comes to running a small business in Canada, red tape is everywhere. It’s the $31 billion “hidden tax” that leads to lost jobs, stress in the workplace and higher prices for goods and services.
Excessive and unnecessary regulations are a problem for hard-working small business owners, which is why CFIB launched Red Tape Awareness Week.
Though the 4th annual Red Tape Awareness Week is now over, the Red Tape Revolution gets stronger every day. CFIB has launched an online petition –which will be delivered to governments across Canada. Knowledge is power, but knowledge is not enough. This year, Red Tape Awareness Week went beyond awareness to action, and beyond education to change. And we generated headlines:
Canada’s Red Tape Report with U.S. Comparisons:For the first time ever, CFIB compared the regulatory compliance costs of small businesses in Canada and those in the United States. The verdict? Firms with fewer than five workers pay 45% more per employee ($5,942) to comply with government regulation than their U.S counterparts ($4,084).
Golden Scissors Award: With so many great candidates it was a tough call. In the end, we awarded our coveted Golden Scissors Award to Gail Shea, the Minister of National Revenue for her outstanding work in improving service and accountability at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Minister Shea is a true Red Tape Warrior!
Federal/Provincial Report Cards: The federal government earned a B+ grade for reducing red tape, while provincial grades varied from B.C.’s A to the D- assessments for Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
CRA Report Card: In spite of recent improvements, the CRA business helpline earned a C- grade from CFIB.
Agri-Business Focus: 72% of agri-business owners say the burden of red tape has become worse over the past three years compared to 55% of other business owners.
CFIB sincerely thanks everyone who made Red Tape Awareness Week such an outstanding success. If you haven’t signed the online petition, please take a minute to do so.
Join CFIB today. When you do, your business gains the clout, impact and scale that come with being part of the largest small business organization in Canada. There is strength in numbers, and we make your views count. Don't just hope for a better future for your firm, take direct action to protect your business investment by becoming a member of CFIB.
