CFIB challenges municipal candidates to stand up for local business

Winnipeg, October 3, 2018 – Manitobans from across the province will be hitting the polls later this month (October 24th) to vote in municipal elections. This will likely mean changes to local governments in many communities. 

To mark the occasion, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is releasing its Stand Up for Local Business campaign that challenges candidates to adopt five key business policies (six for the City of Winnipeg) that will help municipal leaders improve their local business climates. CFIB also sent a survey to mayoral and council candidates from eleven of Manitoba’s largest municipalities, to determine where they stand on important business issues. Responses to CFIB’s Survey: Candidates’ views on small business issues will be posted, unedited, on CFIB’s Manitoba Municipal Elections webpage, and shared with CFIB members prior to the elections on October 24th. 

“By adopting these business-friendly recommendations into their platforms, candidates will make it clear that they recognize the important role small businesses play in their communities in every corner of the province,” said Jonathan Alward, CFIB’s Director of Provincial Affairs for Manitoba. 

The five small business policies are:

  • Limit municipal spending growth; 
  • Control municipal wages;
  • Create fair property taxes;
  • Reduce red tape; and 
  • Develop a construction mitigation strategy.

Note: the sixth policy, which only applies to the City of Winnipeg, is to create a long-term plan to eliminate the Winnipeg Business Tax.

“Small businesses create jobs, deliver goods and services, and donate time and money to local community and charitable causes. They are the life blood of their communities,” added Alward. “So our message to those seeking municipal office is simple; stand up for local business. By adopting these business friendly policies, municipal candidates will create a recipe for entrepreneurial success.”

To arrange an interview, please call 1 888-234-2232, 204-982-0817 or email msman@cfib.ca. You can also follow CFIB Manitoba on Twitter @cfibMB.

About CFIB: CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 110,000 members (4,800 in Manitoba) across every sector and region.