Media Centre

Close to 300,000 jobs remain unfilled in Q1

Toronto/Montréal, May 16, 2013 – The percentage of unfilled private sector jobs remained steady at 2.5% in the first quarter of 2013, representing approximately 295,000 full- and part-time jobs, according to data compiled by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

Alberta’s small business confidence at lowest level

Calgary, April 25, 2013 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released the results of its latest monthly Business Barometer survey today that shows another 1.4 point dip in Alberta’s small business confidence levels in April. As a result, the index has dropped to its lowest level since late 2009.

Small business pays heavy price for labour shortages

Calgary, April 23, 2013 – A new report from CFIB shows a serious shortage of qualified people is impeding the growth and success of small and medium-sized businesses in Western Canada. Most notably, half of the entrepreneurs in the West say they are giving up business opportunities as a result of the shortage of labour and skills.

CFIB commends the Alberta government for tabling pooled pension plan legislation

Calgary, April 19, 2013 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is applauding the Government of Alberta for introduced legislation for Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPPs).

Alberta small business confidence takes a hit in March

Calgary, March 28, 2013 – The confidence of small business owners took a hit in March as the Business Barometer® index fell by almost four points to reach 66.7. As a result, Alberta has lost its lead position among provinces, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

Business Barometer®: Alberta’s small business confidence stays strong

Calgary, February 28, 2013 – CFIB released the results of its latest Business Barometer survey that shows the positive outlook among Alberta’s small business owners held steady in February by registering 71 points. As a result, the province’s entrepreneurs remain the most confident in Canada about the economy and their future success.

New taxes would seriously damage small business

Calgary, February 11, 2013 – CFIB is expressing concern over the outcome the Economic Summit in Calgary on Saturday where a majority of panelists appeared to support imposing new taxes on small business, such as a provincial sales tax and the re-introduction of health care premiums.

Business Barometer® Alberta’s small business confidence bounces back

Calgary, January 31, 2013 – According to the latest Business Barometer results from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), confidence among Alberta’s small business owners rebounded by almost five points in January to 70.5. The recovery in confidence levels means the province’s entrepreneurs are now the most optimistic in the country.

Hon. Gail Shea wins CFIB’s second annual Golden Scissors Award

Toronto/Montréal, January 25, 2013 – With Canada’s fourth annual Red Tape Awareness Week™ drawing to a close, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has awarded its Golden Scissors Award to the Hon. Gail Shea, Canada’s Minister of National Revenue.

Farmers hit harder by increasing red tape: productivity and stress among concerns

Ottawa/Regina, January 24, 2013 – CFIB is putting a spotlight on the negative impact red tape has on Canada’s farmers. Most businesses cite red tape as their second highest concern behind total tax burden, but recent CFIB data puts red tape at the top of the list of farmers’ concerns (79%). Farmers are also the most likely to say the burden of red tape has grown: 72% report the burden has increased over the past 3 years, compared to 55% among all other sectors.

CRA Call Centre Business Helpline gets C- grade from CFIB

Ottawa/Toronto, January 23, 2013 – The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Call Centre Business Helpline received a lacklustre grade of C minus from CFIB.

Alberta earns D+ in annual red tape report card

Calgary, January 22, 2013 – The Alberta government has earned a grade of D+ for its efforts last year to reduce the burden of red tape on small business according to the yearly Red Tape Report Card issued today by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). The report card was released as part of CFIB’s fourth annual Red Tape Awareness Week™.

City of Edmonton proclaims Red Tape Awareness Week

Edmonton, January 21, 2013 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is pleased to announce the City of Edmonton has officially proclaimed this week as Red Tape Awareness Week. In doing so, the City recognizes the important role small businesses play in the economy and the burden of red tape on business owners.

City of Calgary recognizes Red Tape Awareness Week

Calgary, January 21, 2013 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is pleased to announce the City of Calgary has recognized this week as Red Tape Awareness Week. In issuing an official Letter of Recognition, the Mayor acknowledges the importance of making it easier for citizens and businesses to deal with governments.

Golden Scissors Award finalists announced

Toronto/Montréal, January 18, 2013 – With only a few days left until the start of Canada’s fourth annual Red Tape Awareness Week (Jan 21-25), the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has announced the finalists for its second Golden Scissors Award. The Award recognizes an individual who has successfully motivated or demonstrated leadership and courage, and produced meaningful and positive results in cutting red tape for small business.