With Parliament set to reconvene on May 26, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is urging the federal government to act quickly on a backlog of unfinished business from the 2024 budget. According to CFIB President and CEO Dan Kelly, the political disruptions over the past year—including high-profile resignations and legislative gridlock—have delayed key policies that directly affect small businesses across the country.
Among CFIB’s top priorities is the urgent need to eliminate the consumer carbon tax legislation, which the government has promised to repeal but has not yet formally removed. Business owners are also demanding clarification on tax obligations tied to carbon tax rebate payments, which could see new costs imposed by June unless corrected. An additional $600 million in rebates for the 2024–25 fiscal year remains outstanding, further straining small business cash flow.
The CFIB also wants to see follow-through on capital gains reforms. While a proposed increase in the inclusion rate was scrapped, legislation to raise the lifetime capital gains exemption and implement a Canadian Entrepreneurs Incentive has yet to be introduced.
On trade, uncertainty over tariffs—driven largely by shifting U.S. policy—is creating hesitation among business owners to expand, hire, or invest. Although most goods still qualify for tariff-free trade under the USMCA, volatile policy changes are undermining confidence.
Compounding these issues is the looming threat of a Canada Post strike. For many small firms, disruptions could freeze incoming payments, stall deliveries, and disrupt advertising. A previous strike cost small businesses over $1 billion.
Despite some positive signs in CFIB’s latest Business Barometer, confidence remains fragile. The coming weeks will serve as a litmus test for the new government’s commitment to economic recovery and small business support.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024 and 2025.
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