Ryan Mallough
Vice-President of Legislative Affairs at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
Interview with Ryan Mallough, Vice-President of Legislative Affairs at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
How Are Small Businesses Across Canada Faring Right Now?
If you used one word to sum up the year for Canadian small businesses, it’d be “uncertain.” From sudden tariff changes to labour disruptions, it’s been a really challenging year to plan even a few weeks ahead, let alone months.
First up, President Trump’s unpredictable tariffs have turned Canada-U.S. trade on its head. Nearly half of small businesses surveyed by CFIB no longer view the U.S. as a reliable trading partner. Canadian importers have only just seen counter-tariffs lifted, exporters are facing a range of tariffs on Canadian goods. On top of that, the loss of the $800 U.S. de minimis exemption has hit one-third of Canadian SMEs hard. Consumers aren’t faring much better. In fact, weak demand has been the primary barrier to small business growth, according to CFIB’s Monthly Business Barometer.
As all three countries enter their formal Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review consultation period, protecting the agreement should be the top priority in upcoming trade negotiations.
And if that wasn’t enough, the Canada Post strike has added another headache. Four in five small firms still rely on Canada Post for its cost-effective service. Yet, with delays piling up and cheques, invoices and parcels stuck in the system, many are switching to other couriers. Most small business owners are backing major Canada Post reforms, even if it means sacrificing some service or convenience.
What’s Ahead for Small Businesses in the Coming Months?
Taxes and regulatory burdens are weighing heavily on small firms, and there’s a real need for cost relief from all levels of government.
The federal government will present its budget on November 4, and we’re hoping it addresses key unresolved issues.
Our list of priorities includes returning more than $600 million in carbon tax rebates, delivering on promises to increase the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LGCE), pursuing the Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive and returning tariff revenue to affected small businesses.
We also urge the government to lower the small business tax rate, cut red tape, and follow through on eliminating internal trade barriers. This budget is an opportunity for Ottawa to give small firms some of the stability they desperately need to close out the year on a high note.
With the busy retail season on the horizon, we’re also encouraging Canadians to support local, independent businesses. CFIB research shows that 66 cents of every dollar spent at a local business stays within the community, supporting jobs and boosting the local economy. What better way to kick off your holiday shopping than by supporting the businesses that make your community thrive?
How Does CFIB Support Small Businesses?
CFIB’s strength lies in the power of our 100,000-member network. Whether it’s advocating for fair competition policies, fighting for lower taxes, or helping businesses navigate new regulations, we’re here to make sure small business owners’ voices are heard in the halls of power across the country.
With tariffs, new regulations and trade deals on the table, there’s a lot on our plate. But we’re committed to standing up for small businesses every step of the way.
For more information on how we’re supporting small businesses, visit cfib.ca.
