Canada » Regulation & Paperburden

 
Regulations are an essential tool used by governments to carry out economic and social policy from which businesses and citizens benefit. While some regulation is needed, too often federal and provincial governments impose excess regulation that is not only unnecessary, but is also harmful to businesses. Government-imposed regulation reduces productivity and limits innovation, with SMEs bearing a disproportionately high amount of the burden.
Canada – Regulation & Paperburden

Prime Minister Harper vows to cut red tape

January 26, 2012
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Prime Minister Harper vows to work with CFIB to cut red tape on entrepreneurs.
 

And the winner of the Golden Scissors Award is...

January 19, 2012
As Red Tape Awareness Week™ comes to a close, the winner of the inaugural Golden Scissors Award has been announced. The new annual CFIB award recognizes individual leadership and achieving results in cutting red tape for small business.

Red Tape Awareness Week™ 2012 – Real action, real results!

January 11, 2012
Government. Red. Tape. Unclear regulations, unnecessary paperwork and unhelpful customer service may leave small business owners confused but CFIB is here to help.
 

Golden Scissors Award finalists announced

January 11, 2012
In the lead up to Red Tape Awareness Week™ (Jan 16th-20th), the finalists for the inaugural Golden Scissors Award have been announced. This new annual CFIB award recognizes individual leadership in cutting red tape for small business.

Unleash Entrepreneurship in Canada by cutting red tape!

January 6, 2012
Red tape affects all Canadians but the burden of red tape falls most heavily and directly on the smallest businesses. These firms have the fewest resources to apply to these demands yet it is they that are on the frontlines of dealing with regulators.

CFIB welcomes Canada/US Perimeter Vision Action Plans

December 7, 2011
CFIB welcomes Canada/US announcement to improve cross-border trade to boost economic competitiveness and enhance regulatory cooperation.

We need your feedback on the federal R&D Review Panel report

November 7, 2011
On October 17th, 2011, the federal R&D Review Panel, made up of business and academic leaders, released a report outlining recommendations to the federal government on how to make Canada “more innovative”. Last February we presented to the Panel our submission on small business R&D realities.

Were you heard? The Red Tape Reduction Commission Report

September 7, 2011
The Red Tape Reduction Commission was announced by Prime Minister Harper during CFIB’s 2011 Red Tape Awareness Week and revived after the most recent federal election. The commission’s goal is to find ways to reduce the amount of red tape hindering businesses on a daily basis.

How we can overcome the challenges small business faces at Canada/US Border

July 5, 2011
A new report looks at the challenges both Canadian and American small businesses face when trying to do business cross-border. It also suggests ways to improve the process if both countries are serious about encouraging more small businesses to conduct trade cross-border as part of the current discussions between US and Canada on a North American Security Perimeter.

Small business feels shut out of government procurement

June 23, 2011
A new CFIB report looks at attempts by small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to access federal procurement, and how these attempts are hampered by a confusing application processes, excessive paperwork and a complex system of rules.

Recommendations to federal R&D review panel focus on small business realities

March 21, 2011
As part of the Review of Federal Support to R&D initiative, launched October 14, 2010, CFIB provided an overview of key expectations of the federal government when it comes to supporting research and development (R&D) in smaller firms and what revisions are needed to current R&D support programs.

Consumer Product Safety Act – CFIB rolls up its sleeves

February 11, 2011
Now that Bill C-36, the Consumer Product Safety Act, has passed both the House of Commons and the Senate, it’s time for Health Canada to set out exactly how this bill – which would include mandatory reporting of any potentially harmful consumer products – will work in practice. CFIB knows that it is unlikely to expect that small businesses will know their obligations and follow the new procedures, whenever they become official.

Small business welcomes new Canada-US agreement on borders and trade

February 4, 2011
CFIB welcomes the new declaration on perimeter security and economic competitiveness announced today by Prime Minister Harper and US President Obama. For many years, CFIB has been very active on border and trade issues and has lobbied to ensure that low-risk, low-volume trade by Canadian smaller firms is not overlooked.

Open letter to Minister Clement concerning CRTC

February 1, 2011
On behalf of the 107,000 members of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), I am writing to express our strong concern with a recent decision of the CRTC regarding usage based billing for internet services (CRTC2011-44). The effect of this decision, should cabinet not overturn it, would be significant for small businesses in Canada, particularly as they come out of the recent recession.

CFIB’s writes to Prime Minister Harper on Red Tape Reduction Commission

August 9, 2010
Budget 2010 promised the creation of a federal Red Tape Reduction Commission to formally attack the issue of paper burden on individuals and small business. CFIB recently wrote a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper to push for progress on this crucial issue.

Trade without Borders

April 20, 2010
Thousands of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) trade goods and services across the Canada/US border every day. Yet their needs and experiences are often overlooked as they deal in much smaller volumes or trade with less frequency. This report explores the SME experience with both Canada and US border agencies and suggests ways the border experience could become more small business friendly.
Small business owners are seeing red!
 

Small business owners are seeing red!

January 11, 2010
We understand that there is much more to running your business than just working from 9 to 5. In addition to providing quality customer service and products for your community, you are expected to be your own HR department, bookkeeper and much more.
Take Action
Do something positive for your business!
Close