TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Small business owners in Canada consistently report that unnecessary government regulations and the related paper burden is the second-most important issue facing their businesses, after taxes. While large companies can afford to hire lawyers, accountants and other professionals to deal with red tape, entrepreneurs must cope with a range of compliance issues on their own, which puts them at a competitive disadvantage.
This year, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is calling on Canadians to join the Red Tape Revolution by signing CFIB's on-line petition, encouraging politicians to take action to reduce this "hidden tax" on jobs.
During Red Tape Awareness Week, January 21-25, CFIB will shine a light on the problem of excessive regulation through a series of announcements:
- Monday January 21, 2013 - The third edition of Canada's Red Tape Report will be released. For the first time ever, the cost of regulation in Canada will be compared with costs in the United States.
- Tuesday January 22, 2013 - Report card day. Federal and provincial red tape accountability over the last year has been graded and will be released.
- Wednesday January 23, 2013 - How does the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) measure up in its service to small business owners? The results of CFIB's "mystery shopper" test of CRA's call center services will be unveiled.
- Thursday January 24, 2013 - Information about how red tape specifically impacts the agriculture sector will be released. Also, CFIB will announce several ridiculous red tape stories chosen from submissions by CFIB staff and members.
- Friday January 25, 2013 - The winner of the CFIB's The Golden Scissors Award, presented to the politician or public servant who has made the most significant impact on reducing red tape in the previous year, will be announced. Last year's winner was former BC finance minister Kevin Falcon for exceeding his own 33% reduction target for small business red tape.
Canadians are encouraged to show their support for CFIB's Red Tape Revolution by signing the on-line petition at www.cfib.ca/redtape.
As Canada's largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses, CFIB is Powered by Entrepreneurs™. Established in 1971, CFIB takes direction from more than 109,000 members in every sector nationwide, giving independent business a strong and influential voice at all levels of government and helping to grow the economy.
SOURCE: CANADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS
Please call Gisele Lumsden at 416-222-8022 or by email at [email protected].
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