CFIB urges municipal candidates to prioritize small business in upcoming elections

St. John’s, September 17^th, 2025 – With municipal elections on the horizon, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is calling on candidates across Newfoundland and Labrador to commit to policies that will strengthen local economies and support the province’s small business community.

 CFIB members in Newfoundland and Labrador have identified several key priorities that should be front and centre in the municipal election campaign:

• Reform property taxation to reduce the gap between residential and commercial property rates while ensuring small business owners receive better value for their tax dollars.
• Support legislative changes to establish construction mitigation funds to help small businesses most impacted by municipal construction projects.
• Establish municipal red tape feedback portals to allow business owners to easily report regulatory hurdles so they can be addressed in real time.
• Commit to finding efficiencies in the delivery of programs and services to reduce costs and ease the municipal tax burden.
  

” Small businesses are the heart of every community in Newfoundland and Labrador. They generate employment, contribute to local initiatives, and play a vital role in building strong, thriving municipalities” said Jonathan Galgay, CFIB Director of Legislative Affairs for Newfoundland and Labrador. “This election is an opportunity for municipal leaders to show they are serious about supporting their local business community. By committing to reducing the property tax gap, applying construction mitigation measures, cutting unnecessary red tape and finding cost efficiencies, councils can ensure that small businesses have the tools they need to succeed.”

CFIB is encouraging municipal candidates to prioritize small business issues during the campaign and to engage directly with entrepreneurs in their communities. “Local governments are uniquely positioned to create a business-friendly environment,” added Galgay. “We are asking all candidates to put forward practical solutions that will not only help small businesses recover and grow but also make municipalities stronger and more resilient for the future.”

For media inquiries, please contact:
 Jonathan Galgay

Director of Legislative Affairs, Newfoundland and Labrador 

709-743-6069 

Jonathan.Galgay@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, including 1,700 in Newfoundland and Labrador. 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.