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).

Delayed Spring, potential flooding impacting Sask small business optimism: 3rd best in Canada

Regina, April 25, 2013 – Today, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released its latest monthly Business Barometer®, which reveals optimism among small business owners in Saskatchewan decreased from an index of 71.5 in March to 67.2 in April, but is still above the national index of 62.4.

Small business pays heavy price for labour shortages; Half of Saskatchewan entrepreneurs say they are forgoing business opportunities to cope

Regina, 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 Saskatchewan government for tabling PRPP legislation

Regina, April 8, 2013 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is pleased the Government of Saskatchewan introduced legislation for Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPPs). If approved during the spring session, Saskatchewan will be the first province to pass PRPP legislation after the Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act was given Royal Assent by the Canadian government last June. The governments of BC and Quebec introduced similar legislation, but were not passed.

Sask small business optimism sees another boost in March: #1 in Canada

Regina, March 28, 2013 – Today, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released its latest monthly Business Barometer®, which reveals optimism among small business owners in Saskatchewan increased from an index of 69.8 to 71.5 in March, above the national index of 62.9. Fifty-seven per cent of Saskatchewan small business owners rate their overall state of business as good – the highest in Canada and well ahead of the national average of 38 per cent. Thirty-six per cent plan to increase full time employme

CFIB pleased Saskatchewan budget is balanced; holds the line on education property taxes and introduces PRPPs

Regina, March 22, 2013 – The 2013 provincial budget delivered by Finance Minister Krawetz is balanced and addresses the majority of CFIB’s small business pre-budget priorities. “While other provinces face massive deficits, we’re pleased the Saskatchewan budget is balanced, holds the line on education property taxes, and invests in roads/infrastructure, and training opportunities,” said Marilyn Braun-Pollon, CFIB’s Vice-President, Prairie and Agri-business. “Saskatchewan will also soon introduce voluntary PRPP legislatio

CFIB salutes BC government for tabling PRPP legislation; Sask should follow

Regina, March 1, 2013 – CFIB is pleased by the announcement that legislation for Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPPs) is being introduced by the Government of British Columbia. If approved during the spring session, BC will be the first province to pass PRPP legislation after the Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act was given Royal Assent by the Canadian government last June.

Sask earns a C in CFIB’s Red Tape Report Card

Regina, January 22, 2013 – The province of Saskatchewan has earned a grade of C for its efforts to reduce the regulatory burden on small business in 2012, according to CFIB. Saskatchewan received a grade of B- last year. The annual Red Tape Report Card issued today is part of Canada’s fourth annual Red Tape Awareness Week.

Red tape costs Canadian small businesses significantly more than U.S. counterparts

Regina, January 21, 2013 – Most businesses in Canada pay more per employee than their counterparts in the U.S. to comply with regulatory requirements, according to a report issued by the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB). The report launched off Canada’s 4th annual Red Tape Awareness Week.

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.

Saskatchewan small business optimism ends 2012 as 2nd best in Canada

Regina, January 2, 2013 – CFIB released its latest monthly Business Barometer^®, which reveals optimism among small business owners in Saskatchewan remains steady from an index of 66.4 to 66.5 in December, above the national index of 62.6. Fifty-five per cent of Saskatchewan small business owners rate their overall state of business as good – the second highest in Canada and well ahead of the national average of 41 per cent.