Media Centre

Premier needs to kick-start red tape review

Calgary, May 9, 2012 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) welcomes yesterday’s announcement of a new provincial cabinet and calls on the government to focus on key policy priorities for small business, including tax relief, cutting red tape, and addressing labour shortages.

Index reveals increased concern about labour shortage

May 2, 2012

According to the Business Barometer data released today by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), confidence among entrepreneurs in Alberta slipped slightly in April amid rising concern about labour shortages. Despite the 1.3 point drop to 73.3, Alberta’s small business confidence remained the highest in the country and almost seven points above the national index.

TFWP changes an important step in right direction

Calgary, April 25, 2012 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) today applauded the federal government for announcing a new accelerated labour process for employers to bring temporary foreign workers into Canada to fill high-skilled occupations.

Leaders receive bricks & bouquets on election promises

Calgary, April 20, 2012 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) today released the results of a survey of all five provincial political party leaders about where they stand on the key issues affecting Alberta’s entrepreneurs, including tax reform, cutting red tape, controlling government spending, addressing labour shortages, and municipal accountability.

Confidence grows among Alberta’s entrepreneurs

April 4, 2012

According to the latest Business Barometer survey data released today by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), confidence levels among entrepreneurs in Alberta improved 2.3 points in March to 74.6. As a result, Alberta’s small business owners remained the most confident in the country for the fourth month in a row.

Leaders asked to make small business commitments

Calgary, April 2, 2012 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) today challenged the leaders of all five political parties to be clear about where they stand on the key issues facing small business, including taxes, red tape, government spending, labour shortages, and new revenue-generating powers for municipalities.

Small business being squeezed by labour shortages

March 20, 2012 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) today called on the federal and provincial governments to develop a new joint, long-term strategy to address Alberta’s labour shortages in light of a newly-released policy report that shows small and medium-sized businesses are being seriously impacted.

Alberta small business confidence holds steady

March 8, 2012

The latest Business Barometer survey data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) shows confidence levels among small business owners in Alberta remained relatively unchanged in February at 72.3, one point lower than January's index score. Alberta's entrepreneurs stay put as the most confident in Canada, more than 6 points higher than the national index which increased by 0.8 of a point in February to 66.0.

Sowing the seeds to better service

Winnipeg/Ottawa, February 27, 2012 – CFIB welcomed the commitment by Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to improve accountability and service delivery.

Alberta small business confidence still strongest in Canada

February 1, 2012

The latest Business Barometer survey data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) shows confidence levels among small business owners in Alberta remained relatively flat in January at 73.3, just 0.3 lower than December’s index score. However, Alberta’s entrepreneurs remain the the most confident in Canada, and more than 8 points higher than the national index which increased by a marginal 0.2 points in January to 65.2.

Red Tape Report Card reveals mixed results

January 31, 2012 – Toronto/Calgary – As part of its 3rd annual Red Tape Awareness Week™. the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released its annual Red Tape Report Card today. While several governments took steps forward on red tape reform, the grades show there is room to improve.

Small business optimism picks up the pace in December

January 4, 2012

Toronto - According to the latest survey data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), small business confidence climbed to 65.0 in December, almost a point and a half above its November level. "The Business Barometer index has historically hovered between 65 and 70 when the economy is expanding," commented Ted Mallett, vice-president and chief economist for CFIB. Adding, "The return to ‘near normal' is seen as good news for Canada's economic performance, which had lately bee