Moncton, March 13, 2026 – With the Legislative Assembly set to open on March 17, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is urging the Government of New Brunswick not to grant municipalities new taxation powers that could increase costs for small businesses.
“After months of warning government about the impacts of its policy direction, small business owners are dreading this next session of the Legislative Assembly,” said Louis‑Philippe Gauthier, CFIB Vice-President, Atlantic. “Government has signalled it will give municipalities new or enhanced revenue tools. Unfortunately, the question remains: will these revenues be collected from small businesses?”
In January, CFIB presented government with more than 2,100 signed petitions from small business owners expressing deep concern over the government’s election commitment to remove the fixed multiplier for commercial properties and expand municipal taxation authority.
Small businesses in New Brunswick continue to face rising cost pressures across all major inputs, including occupancy costs. More than six in 10 CFIB members report electricity, insurance, wages, and tax and regulatory costs as significant constraints.
In addition to its recommendations on property taxation, CFIB has also called on government to consider the following measures for the upcoming budget:
- Lower the small business tax rate to 1%, increase the income threshold from $500,000 to $700,000, and index the threshold to inflation annually.
- Create a construction mitigation fund over the next two budgets to support businesses affected by disruptions resulting from work on the Miramichi Centennial Bridge.
“Government says it wants more private‑sector investment,” added Gauthier. “At a minimum, it should allow owners who declare a profit to retain more of their earnings so they can reinvest and grow their businesses.”
In 2026, New Brunswick is poised to have the highest small business tax rate in Atlantic Canada if the new Newfoundland and Labrador government proceeds with its election commitment to reduce that province’s rate to 1%.
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Louis-Philippe Gauthier, CFIB Vice-President, Atlantic
506-961-5706
Louis-Philippe.Gauthier@cfib.ca
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 including 3,900 members in New Brunswick. 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.
Print Article
Share Article
