CFIB says 2026 grades provide a baseline for measuring progress under newly elected councils
Calgary, September 15, 2026 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has released its first-ever Open for Business: Canada's 2026 Municipal Report Card, with Red Deer earning the highest grade among Alberta municipalities at C+, followed by Strathcona County at C.
The report card evaluates municipalities across 11 indicators measuring cost burden, regulatory burden and small business friendliness. Because the report is based on data collected up to December 31, 2025, the results should be viewed primarily as a benchmark for measuring future progress under Alberta's newly elected municipal councils.
"These results reflect conditions that existed throughout 2025 and, in many cases, before newly elected councils had an opportunity to implement significant changes," said Keyli Loeppky, Senior Director of Alberta and Interprovincial Affairs at CFIB. "What matters now is the direction municipalities take over the next few years. CFIB will continue tracking results and holding councils accountable for creating an environment where small businesses can succeed."
While no Alberta municipality earned a grade higher than C+, the results highlight opportunities for local governments across the province to improve affordability, reduce red tape and create a more supportive environment for small businesses.
"While there is plenty of room for improvement in grades, we're encouraged by the willingness we've seen from many Alberta municipalities to engage with the small business community," said Loeppky. "Local governments play an important role in creating an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed, and we're committed to working collaboratively with municipalities that want to improve their business climate."
CFIB says Calgary's new council has already taken several positive steps, including demonstrating a stronger commitment to small business engagement and advancing a construction mitigation policy.
"In Calgary, we've seen encouraging signs from the new council, including a more open-door approach with the business community and a greater recognition of the challenges small businesses face during major construction projects," said Loeppky. "Those are positive signals, and we look forward to continuing that dialogue."
The report identifies several opportunities for municipalities to improve their business environment, including:
"With budget season approaching, municipalities have an opportunity to show small businesses they understand the realities entrepreneurs are facing, including rising costs and ongoing trade uncertainty, and are committed to helping them succeed," concluded Loeppky. “The choices councils make over the coming months will do far more to determine their future grade than the score reflected in this year's report card. Small business owners will be watching closely.”
CFIB will continue to publish future editions of the Municipal Report Card to track progress, recognize improvements and highlight best practices across Canadian municipalities.
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Keyli Loeppky
587-580-9140
About CFIB
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 103,000 members across every industry and region (11,000 in Alberta). 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.