CFIB Calls on Saskatchewan Government to Act for Small Businesses Ahead of 2026 Spring Budget

Saskatchewan's small businesses are entering the 2026 provincial budget cycle facing serious and mounting pressures. Rising costs, ongoing labour shortages, regulatory challenges, supply chain disruptions, and growing concerns about crime are putting unprecedented strain on entrepreneurs across the province. These challenges mirror a national trend: fewer Saskatchewanians are starting businesses, more are closing their doors, and confidence in entrepreneurship is eroding. It’s an entrepreneurial drought that threatens the province’s economic future.

We have been meeting with key provincial decision makers to ensure Saskatchewan’s small businesses are front and centre in this year’s budget. We need a plan that ensures public funds are managed responsibly, spending is kept under control, debt-reduction targets are enforcing, and the province has a clear path towards balancing its budget. We are also calling on government to raise the Small Business Corporate Income Tax threshold to $700,000, eliminate the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on commercial property insurance, and exempt machinery and equipment from PST.

Additionally, community safety must be a top priority, as rising crime is costing small businesses thousands of dollars in security and repairs. This requires both short-term support, such as a rebate program for business investments in security equipment or property damage repairs, and long-term solutions addressing housing, mental health, and addictions.

Finally, we are calling on Saskatchewan to maintain its renewed focus on red tape reduction and continue eliminating internal trade barriers so small businesses can expand and grow more easily. Recent progress on mutual recognition, where provinces accept each other’s rules, standards, or approvals as equal, is promising. We urge the province to follow through and carry these reforms across the finish line to achieve true free trade within Canada.

Could your business benefit from policies that help it grow and succeed? Join CFIB today and ensure your voice shapes the decisions that affect you.