Small businesses are the heart of Saskatchewan’s economy, but right now many are being stretched to the breaking point. Costs keep climbing, and it’s taking a toll. Most small business owners (84%) say that government costs, things like taxes, premiums, and fees, are overwhelming, and 95% want affordability to be at the top of the government’s priority list. At CFIB, we’re standing with business owners to push for solutions that will actually help.
We’re asking government to do a few simple but powerful things: take the PST off commercial property insurance and restaurant meals, remove PST on investments like machinery and equipment, raise the small business tax threshold from $600,000 to $700,000, and bring in a “securing small business” rebate to help cover the growing costs of crime and vandalism. These changes won’t fix everything, but they’d make a big difference for local businesses trying to keep the lights on and serve their communities.
The need for crime relief is especially urgent. One Saskatoon restaurant recently faced thousands of dollars in damage after repeated break-ins, forcing the owner to consider barring the windows just to keep criminals out. “Every dollar counts,” he said, explaining that one incident alone cost about $6,000, the equivalent of selling a thousand tacos. For small businesses already squeezed by inflation, losses like this are crushing. A rebate to help cover crime-related costs would give them some much-needed breathing room.
If the government adopts these changes, here’s what it would mean: lower bills, less financial risk from crime, and more room to reinvest in staff, equipment, and growth. It would also help level the playing field so small businesses can compete with big corporations and online giants. And by signing our petition, business owners are sending a united message to the government: affordability can’t wait.
This year, we stopped a small business corporate tax rate hike, which will benefit 35,000 Saskatchewan small businesses and save them more than $50 million annually in corporate income taxes. We’ve also shone a spotlight on rising property taxes, which forced two-thirds of business owners to raise prices, and on the reality that nearly 40% of Saskatchewan small businesses have been hit by crime. Through direct talks with government, public campaigns, and solid research, CFIB is making sure small business voices are heard loud and clear.
But we can’t do this alone. Add your name to our petition and help us push for the changes that will make Saskatchewan a more affordable and supportive place for small businesses to succeed.
If this type of advocacy would help your small business thrive, then become a CFIB member today.
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