Calgary, August 27, 2026 – Following today's release of Alberta's fall fiscal update, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is urging the provincial government to use its reported $2 billion surplus to provide meaningful affordability relief for Alberta's small businesses through a lower small business tax rate and targeted fuel cost relief.
"A return to surplus is good news for Alberta, but it doesn't change the reality that many small businesses continue to face rising operating costs, shrinking margins, and growing uncertainty, particularly in the face of 50% tariffs," said Kayode Southwood, CFIB's Senior Policy Analyst for Alberta. "The best way to strengthen Alberta's economy is to help the entrepreneurs who create jobs, invest locally, and keep our communities vibrant. This surplus presents an opportunity to provide direct, permanent relief that helps small businesses remain competitive and grow."
A reduction in the small business tax rate would provide permanent, broad-based relief for entrepreneurs at a time when many are facing rising operating expenses and economic uncertainty. Lower taxes would allow small firms to reinvest more of their earnings into hiring, training, equipment purchases, wage increases, and expansion, helping strengthen local economies and improve Alberta's long-term competitiveness. At the same time, expanding fuel cost relief measures would help offset elevated transportation and energy expenses that have disproportionately impacted small employers and their supply chains across the board.
"Small businesses are the backbone of Alberta's economy," said Keyli Loeppky, CFIB’s Senior Director, Alberta & Interprovincial Affairs. "Using Alberta’s economic windfall to reduce costs for entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways government can support long-term economic growth and diversify the economy while strengthening main streets across the province."
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Kayode Southwood, CFIB
403-489-7595
Kayode.southwood@cfib.ca
About CFIB
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 103,000 members (11,000 in Alberta) across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.
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