The provincial election is coming up this fall, and ahead of that, small business owners are urging party leaders to keep them in mind, although only four per cent of small and medium-sized Saskatchewan businesses are very confident their concerns and priorities will be heard.
That’s according to a Canadian Federation of Independent Business survey, which also states that 77 per cent are concerned about the provincial economy.
Provincial Affairs Director, Brianna Solberg, says business owners wants those on the campaign trail to know that affordability is their top priority.
Ways to help with that include reducing or suspending provincial fuel taxes and freezing the business corporate tax rate at one per cent or reduce it to zero, as was done in the pandemic.
Another request is to remove the double tax on commercial property insurance.
Solberg explains that there is PST on the insurance as well as a 4 per cent insurance premium tax.
CFIB members would like the PST removed.
Solberg notes that rising costs and decreased revenues mean having to transfer some of that to customers, but the concern is that in doing so, it’s more of an incentive for customers to switch to the big box stores.
The survey indicates reducing the overall tax burden is a top priority for 75 per cent of Saskatchewan small businesses, followed by reducing fuel and energy costs, balancing the budget and paying down debt, improving public infrastructure, and addressing social concerns, noting the increase in crime and risks for public safety.
CFIB election info can be found here.