Vancouver, May 25, 2017 – Following yesterday’s announcement of the final BC election results, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) congratulates all newly-elected MLAs. CFIB now challenges the political parties to make sure they look at all new policies through the lens of a small business owner.
Like other British Columbians, entrepreneurs across the province are very concerned about rising costs and affordability. According to recent CFIB surveys of BC business owners:
- 79 per cent say running their business has become less affordable.
- 83 per cent expect the issue to get worse.
- 87 per cent would have trouble absorbing any additional taxes or fees.
We will continue to reach out to all three parties to highlight ways they can work together to help support small businesses in BC.
A review of the parties’ responses to CFIB’s Leaders Survey during the election shows there may be some common ground for work to begin, including: a commitment to balance the budget, reducing unnecessary frustrating rules, and developing better workplace training support systems.
At the same time, however, there are many worrisome new policy directions that were supported by some or all parties, such as: jumping to a $15 minimum wage, reviewing of labour laws, and substantially increasing the carbon tax.
BC’s economy is one of the strongest in Canada, with provincial small business optimism now leading the country. The next BC government would be wise not to proceed with punitive new policies that will negatively impact entrepreneurs and make it even more challenging and less affordable to run a small business.
Richard Truscott, Vice-President, BC and Alberta, is available to make additional comment on what the final election results mean for BC’s small and medium-sized businesses. To arrange an interview, please contact 604-684-5325 or email msbc@cfib.ca.
To view the CFIB’s small business election platform, as well as each party's response to the Leaders Survey conducted during the campaign, please visit Federation's BC Election 2017 website.
CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses with 109,000 members across every sector and region, including 10,000 in B.C.
Print Article
Share Article
