Canadian Federation of Independent Business reminds the federal government that helping small businesses helps the economy
If the federal government wants to grow the economy and get job numbers back on track, it should adopt the solutions recommended by the small business community, says the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
In a recent meeting with federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, CFIB presented its top pre-budget priorities. “The latest job numbers show how fragile our economy continues to be,” says CFIB president Dan Kelly. “Small business can be a big part of the solution, but needs government to help create the right environment for growth.”
Of the key priorities that CFIB listed, includes:
Small business tax rate: lower the rate from 11 to 9% over time – starting with a 0.5% decrease in 2014.
EI hiring and training credit: recognize the costs of on-the-job training done by small business by retaining the Hiring Credit
Public sector pensions: end the bridge benefit and phase-out early retirement
In addition to keeping the focus on eliminating the deficit by 2015 by restraint on public sector compensation, benefits and pensions, CFIB asked the Minister for early help in addressing rapidly rising credit card processing fees for merchants and consumers.
