Media Advisory - CFIB Reaction to Federal Budget 2010

OTTAWA, March 4 /CNW/ - The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is pleased to see some measures to tackle the deficit and recognize the contribution of small business in growing the economy and creating jobs but more could have been done. "Building confidence among small business owners will do more to create jobs across Canada than any other measure," said Catherine Swift, CFIB's President and CEO.

Addressing paper burden and regulations has always been a top priority for CFIB members and the establishment of a Red Tape Commission is welcome news. "Providing clear leadership, committing to measuring and publicly reporting on the number of regulations, as well as putting some constraints on regulators will make this initiative a success," said Swift. "CFIB is a strong supporter of moving this process forward as it really is a low cost way of making our economy more productive and efficient" added Swift.

CFIB was also pleased to see measures to curb government administration costs. "The federal budget deficit cannot be tackled unless the government gets a handle on reducing costs in the public sector," said Swift. "Many in the private sector have had to make sacrifices during the past year and so must the public sector to help get Canada's books back in order. This is just a start, however, and much more needs to be done on public/private sector salary and benefit inequities".

CFIB was paying particular attention to Employment Insurance (EI) as premiums are set to skyrocket starting in 2011. "We were very disappointed to see absolutely no movement on EI as rising premium rates will have a negative impact on job creation just as the economy is recovering," said Swift. "Suggesting that there will be no tax increases is nonsense as EI premium increases will make it more expensive for small businesses to hire and it will cut into the take-home pay of every working Canadian," said Swift.

Another key highlight is the imminent introduction of a Code of Conduct for the credit and debit card industry. "We are very pleased that the government has adopted CFIB's idea for a Code of Conduct and are putting it into action. We strongly support this Code and will do what we can to encourage the industry to implement it as soon as possible," said Swift. "However, should the industry not quickly adopt the Code voluntarily, we would support making it mandatory in fairly short order," added Swift.

CFIB was pleased to see the government stay focused on its commitment to previously-announced corporate tax cuts. Announcements of an Advisory Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Innovation Commercialization Program and provisions to strengthen taxpayer fairness are also welcome and CFIB will watch them closely and contribute where it can to ensure the best possible outcomes for Canada's small business community.

For further information: Gisele Lumsden at [phone]