CFIB Statement: Yukon Small Businesses Owners’ Election Priorities

October 29, 2025 – Small businesses keep Yukon’s communities strong and vibrant. Whether it’s a Whitehorse café serving regulars by name, or a family-run outfitter helping visitors experience the North, these businesses create local jobs, drive innovation, and keep dollars circulating in the territory. But right now, many of them are under strain as they face higher costs, persistent labour shortages, and supply chain challenges. 

The message from small business owners is clear: the next territorial government must work to reduce the cost of doing business, cut red tape, address labour shortages, and ensure communities are safe. 

A recent Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) survey underscores these priorities: 93% of Canadian small businesses want governments to manage public funds responsibly, 83% want red tape reduced, 42% cite labour shortages as their biggest limitation to growth, and 40% flag energy costs as a major challenge.  

When it comes to community safety, 67% report they are spending more on security and 62% believe governments should reimburse businesses for crime-related costs. With Yukoners heading to the polls on November 3rd, small business owners are looking for a government that understands their challenges and is ready to act. The Yukon Party, Yukon Liberal Party, and Yukon NDP have all released their platforms ahead of the election, with proposals that intersect with small business priorities in different ways. 

Cost Relief and Competitiveness 

Rising costs remain one of the biggest pressures on local businesses. Everything from insurance and utilities to freight and payroll costs have increased. For many small operators, it’s become harder to reinvest in their business, or plan for the future. As the next territorial government takes shape, priorities should include protecting Yukon’s 0% small business tax rate, avoiding new fees or levies, and easing the cost burden on essentials like energy and insurance. 

CFIB continues to encourage policies that give small firms room to reinvest, such as increasing the small business tax threshold to $700,000 and reviewing policies that make operating in the North more expensive. We appreciate the Yukon NDP’s platform pledge to freeze Yukon consumers’ power bills. This would provide relief to households and small businesses alike. 

Tackling Labour Shortages 

“Help wanted” signs are everywhere in Yukon. Business owners are struggling to find and retain workers across industries, from trades and hospitality to professional services. All parties have recognized the need to address labour shortages in their platforms. Policy ideas have included: expanding training and apprenticeship programs, improving labour mobility, supporting credential recognition, and strengthening immigration pathways.  

CFIB also emphasizes that retaining workers requires investing in housing, settlement supports and reducing red tape. This will help ensure a more stable and skilled workforce that benefits both businesses and communities. 

Cutting Red Tape 

Small business owners consistently highlight frustrations with permits, approvals, and licensing processes that are slow or unnecessarily complex. All parties have signaled a willingness to improve system efficiency. CFIB believes Yukon can lead by measuring the total regulatory burden, reporting publicly on progress, and setting clear timelines for approvals. The Yukon Party’s plan to implement a Red Tape Reduction Strategy and a one-for-one rule for new regulations directly addresses the fact that red tape reduction is a top priority for 83% of small businesses. 

Keeping Communities Safe 

Safety concerns, particularly in downtown areas, remain a priority for small business owners. Many have experienced property damage, theft, or threats to staff and customer safety. The Yukon Liberals plan aims to expand outreach services, establish a law enforcement task force, and increase RCMP presence downtown. It also includes a new Community Safety and Wellbeing Strategy and continued collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce to ensure business support programs are meeting needs. 

All platforms emphasize community safety as foundational for economic confidence. CFIB encourages evidence-based approaches, including prevention, better coordination between governments and law enforcement, and targeted supports for businesses affected by crime. When small businesses feel secure, they can focus on serving their customers and doing what they do best, running their business. 

Looking Ahead

Small business owners are seeking smart, practical policies that recognize the realities of running a business in the North. As this election unfolds, CFIB hopes all parties will commit to keeping costs low, cutting unnecessary red tape, addressing labour shortages, and ensuring safe, stable communities where local businesses can thrive. When governments provide entrepreneurs the tools and stability they need, Yukon’s economy grows stronger, its communities become more vibrant, and its future is full of opportunity. 

For media enquiries or interviews, please contact: 

Tyler Slobogian, CFIB 

204-979-1787 

Tyler.Slobogian@cfib.ca 

About CFIB 

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 100,000 members 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.