Halifax, September 11, 2025 – Only half of Atlantic Canadian small businesses believe their municipal government is small-business friendly, according to a new report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
CFIB’s 2025 Atlantic Municipal report shows measures municipalities can take to improve conditions for small businesses in their city. This includes measures like cutting costs and red tape to save businesses time and money.
“We are advocating for policies that save businesses time and money so that it can be invested in their business, rather than spent on regulations and red tape. Municipalities have a large role to play in the day-to-day costs and red tape businesses face,” said Duncan Robertson, CFIB’s Director of Legislative Affairs for Nova Scotia.
The report calls on Atlantic Canada’s municipalities to eliminate policies that make it more difficult to do business and adopt policies to support them. This includes making processes like permit applications more transparent and less costly. Most municipalities do not say how long it may take to get a permit, and that a majority (59%) of business owners find costs such as municipal taxes and fees unpredictable.
“Knowing how long it will take to get a permit, and whether that permit will be more expensive next year can help businesses plan for growth. Municipalities should make these processes clearer and reduce uncertainty, so businesses have the confidence to invest in our region,” added Robertson.
This year’s Atlantic Municipal report also find that Atlantic Canadian businesses are more likely to be affected by issues related to infrastructure, congestion, and construction than last year. Aging infrastructure and growing pains are affecting businesses. Careful planning is needed to help businesses thrive despite these challenges.
“These are issues we have raised and will continue to raise with municipalities. It’s disappointing to see a larger share of businesses affected by these issues. This report provides recommendations on how municipalities can help businesses thrive despite these challenges,” said Robertson
To help small businesses thrive, CFIB is calling on municipal governments to:
- Make business resources and permitting more accessible.
- Reduce the cost of sidewalk patios.
- Implement compensation programs for businesses affected by construction and crime.
- Ensure taxes and fees are predictable and fair.
“Municipalities have done some good work to support their local businesses, but so much more can be done. Small businesses are the backbone of Atlantic Canada’s economy and communities. When they are strong, we all benefit,” said Robertson.
Read the report here.
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Duncan Robertson, CFIB
902-580-4538
Duncan.Robertson@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.
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