After the municipal election on October 20, CFIB connected with councillors and municipal leaders from across Alberta at the Alberta Municipalities Convention in Calgary and the Rural Municipalities of Alberta Convention in Edmonton. We shared our recommendations from The Small Business Vote, focusing on the issues that matter most to entrepreneurs: affordability, construction, crime and safety, and cutting red tape.
Small businesses are facing significant challenges. CFIB’s pre-election survey revealed that nearly three-quarters (71%) of Alberta small business owners feel municipal leaders have not paid enough attention to their concerns, while more than half (54%) believe they are treated unfairly by local governments. About 59% say they do not receive fair value in municipal services compared to residents, given the property taxes they pay. The numbers tell the story: businesses pay property tax rates over 4.6 times higher than residents in Calgary and 3.6 times higher in Edmonton. These taxes are profit-insensitive—they must be paid regardless of profitability—making them especially burdensome for small firms. While property taxes fund essential services, fairness and proportionality must remain guiding principles.
Construction is another pain point. CFIB’s 2024 report, Hard Hats and Hard Times, found the average municipal construction project disrupts small businesses for 508 days, with firms reporting an average 40% decline in sales during that period. These disruptions can be devastating for entrepreneurs already operating on thin margins.
Crime and safety concerns compound the problem. Nearly half of Alberta small businesses report rising crime in their communities over the past year. Most Alberta small businesses are also concerned about safety for staff and customers. Crime and safety involves all levels of government, and municipal cooperation is key in addressing these issues. Unfortunately, only 20% of Alberta small businesses believe governments are working well together in this area.
On red tape, CFIB research shows the burden falls disproportionately on smaller firms. For businesses with fewer than five employees, regulatory costs account for 38% of their total compliance expenses. These findings underscore the need for all levels of government to work together to reduce unnecessary rules and streamline processes.
These challenges aren’t just frustrating—they hit the bottom line and make long-term planning harder. That’s why CFIB is advocating for practical solutions: fair compensation for businesses impacted by construction, better project planning and communication, stronger safety measures, and simpler regulations. We also urge municipalities to dedicate resources to support small businesses and collaborate with provincial and federal governments to address root causes of crime and safety issues, including housing, mental health, and addictions.
Municipalities play a critical role in helping small businesses succeed. Entrepreneurs deserve support, predictability, and clear guidance—not red tape, delays, or uncertainty. CFIB remains committed to working with municipal leaders to ensure policies reflect the realities of running a business and create an environment where Alberta’s small businesses can grow and thrive.
Join CFIB today to access support, resources, and advocacy that can help your business succeed and grow.
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