Vancouver – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) along with many small businesses have fired a volley that may resonate with voters and candidates prior to this Fall’s Municipal Elections (October 20).
It appears it is the warning call for all candidates, regardless of what office they are running for, to be aware that whatever the outcome, the vote will impact small business.
The CFIB released its Stand Up for Local Business campaign that challenges candidates to adopt a set of six policy pillars that will enable municipal policy-makers to better support independent business.
“By adopting these recommendations into their platforms, candidates will make clear they recognize the significant role that small businesses play in local communities in every corner of the province,” says Richard Truscott, Vice-President, BC and Alberta.
The six pillars are:
• limit municipal spending
• control municipal wages
• create fair property taxes
• reduce red tape
• develop a construction mitigation strategy
• lobby the provincial government to reinstate municipal business vote
“There is no doubt that local businesses play vital roles in the communities where they are located,” states Truscott. “Small businesses provide jobs, deliver goods and services, and donate time and money to local community and charitable causes. They are the life blood of their communities. So our message to those seeking municipal office is simple: stand up for local business. By adopting these six pillars, municipal candidates will create a recipe for entrepreneurial success.”
CFIB has also launched a website that contains more information on these recommendations for municipal candidates for mayor and council, along with an online petition.
