Cut Small Business Costs to Save Canadians Money and Jobs

September 22, 2026

September 21, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – Brad Vis, Conservative Shadow Minister for Small Business, released the following statement after new Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) research showed the strain of high costs on Canada’s small businesses:

“Conservatives will save Canadians money by cutting the taxes and red tape driving up costs for small businesses and the families who buy from them.

“New CFIB research shows that more than one in five small business owners – 22 per cent – describe their business as weak or critical. Half would advise against starting a business today, and just 18 per cent would recommend starting one. 

“Among those who say now is a bad time to start a business, 88 per cent cite high costs, 65 per cent point to taxes and 53 per cent blame government red tape. These are Canadians who work hard, take risks and create jobs. After 11 years of Liberal government, too many are struggling just to keep their doors open.

“The Liberals must lower costs on Canadian businesses and outcompete other countries, not out-tax them. Carney’s failure to deliver the trade certainty he promised has piled even more uncertainty onto Canadian businesses. He has said himself that tariffs are taxes ultimately paid by consumers, but he has still not told Canadians what this trade war will cost them.

“Canadians are paying the price. When businesses pay more to make, move and sell the things people need, those costs show up in the prices you pay. We cannot afford more talk. It’s time for results that save money and jobs.

“Conservatives will save workers and families money by cutting the taxes and red tape driving up costs for small businesses and the Canadians who buy from them.  We will approve projects stuck in federal permitting, repeal anti-development laws and eliminate the capital gains tax on money reinvested in Canada.

“We will get government out of the way so Canadians can build mines, pipelines, LNG plants, factories and homes. That means more investment, more jobs and lower costs for Canadian businesses.

“Building a stronger Canadian economy will provide us the leverage we need to fight for tariff-free trade with the United States and open new markets around the world.

“Small business owners should be able to earn a living. Their workers should be able to afford a home and feed their families. Hard work should earn Canadians a great life. The Liberals are costing Canadians money. Conservatives will save Canadians money, protect Canadian jobs and let families keep more of what you earn.”