The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says there are many positives in the throne speech but there are also some concerns.
Prairie spokesperson, Marilyn Braun-Pollon says the impact of the pandemic is far from over for small businesses, with fewer than a third making their normal revenue, so renewing the emergency wage subsidy and expanding the Canada Emergency Business Account is welcomed.
The Speech from the Throne also mentioned improving the credit availability program, which the CFIB is pleased to see, because additional lending options are desperately needed by many businesses.
Braun-Pollon had hoped to hear that tax hikes planned for 2021, the CPP hikes for employers and employees on January 1st, and the increase to the federal carbon tax in the spring, would have been nixed.
The CFIB is also concerned about possible permanent changes to Employment Insurance for entrepreneurs.
Braun-Pollon says it needs careful review, because it cold have a huge price tag for small businesses.